Rolling Forward: Link-Up Bicycle Ministry in Action
As the weather gets warmer, the Link-Up Bicycle Ministry continues to connect neighbors with refurbished bicycles.
Our mission has been to give access to transportation and riding enjoyment to neighbors by refurbishing and distributing bicycles.
Neighbors who need a bicycle can stop by Story Church on Saturday morning to make a request, or a local organization sends a request for their clients. Our team gets the request, works on a bike that fits, and gets it back out. Rocky River UMC and the surrounding community have been incredibly supportive over the years.
We currently have 10 active volunteers who regularly pick up bicycles, repair them in the shop, and then help distribute them to folks who make requests. All of this happens thanks to the support from RRUMC, Story Church, and others! We've recently begun working with local organizations such as Metro West CDC and primary schools to repair bicycles and teach safety at their events.
Link-Up is always looking for additional support. For example, RRUMC is hosting a "dine to donate" event at Houlihan's in Westlake on Thursday, June 5, from 5-9pm. Proceeds will be given to Link Up.
Additionally, we are always accepting gently used bikes for repair. So if you have any, or know a company or organization who does, we can work to arrange a pick up/drop off. And if you're interested in getting some chain grease on your hands, you can volunteer in the shop on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (email: linkupbikeministry@gmail.com if interested).
And finally, we always need financial assistance to pay for new chains, tubes, tires, cables, and tools for the shop. Any gift goes a long way!