Wiesbrook School's Bicycle Recycle April 17

April 17, 2010

Thanks and congratulations to everyone at Wiesbrook School for making the bicycle recycle a huge success. The efforts of students, staff, PTA members, and community members were evident by the 68 bicycles donated, HWI largest single collection.

“How is your collection going?” asked a volunteer who was collecting bicycles at the Wheaton Recycle Event. “Very well, and how is your collection going?” I asked. He said, “Well we have about the same number of bicycles as you do.” What he saw was only a small number of what we had already collected. Two loads had already been delivered to HWI.

HWI had a great time meeting some of the Wiesbrook School community. Henry was our bicycle helper. He transported bikes from cars to our loading truck. He was eager to help and his help made our load lighter. Also we want to say thanks to Mrs. S. who received a HWI flyer and passed it on to the committee who organized this service event.

We will fix up the bicycles and then send them out. Some of the bicycles will go to refugees and immigrants through World Relief, DuPage. Other bicycles will go to International students studying at Wheaton College. In June a group of about 13-20 leaders from the Eastern European area will come and study at Wheaton College for six weeks. They use HWI bikes while here. The bicycles enrich their experience in America by giving them the freedom to ride around and see our beautiful city and neighboring areas. You can learn more at www.hiswheels.org.

I challenge each of you to look for a HWI bicycle. You can identify it by the HWI sticker. Wherever I go I look for HWI bikes. While walking to church on Easter Sunday I saw a refugee riding a HWI bike and on the way home I saw a young girl riding one of our bikes. I’ve spotted bikes at the library, College of DuPage, Wheaton College, the Post Office, in the Wheaton Parade and many other places. When you see a HWI bike remind yourself that your efforts make a difference in our community. Your giving has put a smile on someone’s face by making it a little easier for them to get to school, to work, to the library or to do errands. For many this is the first bike they have ever owned.

HWI is grateful for your willingness to give of your time and effort. It allows us to keep getting bicycles out to those in need. My initial goal back in 2003 was to give away 100 bicycles in my lifetime. In 2005 I was challenged to start HWI. Over the last five years through HWI we have given away more than 1,000 bicycles in the USA. An additional 100 were bought in seven African countries. Students, educators, pastors, health and aids workers are using them. I encourage each of you to dream big dreams of how you can use your passions and interests to help others. It is a blessing to give.