GreenTown Los Altos’ next ReCycle Bike Drive is coming SOON! We are seeking support of the community to donate used bikes for redistribution to those in need. Bikes in need of repair are welcome.
Santora and McTighe at work
Our bike drive is a great example of how the Los Altos and Mountain View community comes together to promote exercise, reduce carbon emissions, recycle used materials, and help those in need. Community activist Kathleen Santora initiated this effort over 17 years ago with a group of her friends. During that time, Santora’s group collected bikes each fall and donated about 600 bikes to Sacred Heart Community Services in San Jose. They then distributed refurbished bikes to those in need during their Christmas Toy Box program. Two years ago, when Santora first learned about GreenTown, she thought that by working together, we could collect more bikes for those in need.
Four times in the past two years, GreenTown has come together with volunteer bike mechanics from Bicycle Outfitters and Chain Reaction to refurbish donated bikes. LAHS students have also pitched in to wash the bikes before distribution. The GreenTown partnership paid off. Over 200 bikes were collected and given to students in our Los Altos/Mountain View community. With help and support of the Bike Exchange in Mountain View, any bikes not placed with local needy students were distributed to community agencies such as the Veterans Administration and the Bill Wilson Center for homeless teens.
Volunteer airs tires
Volunteers will be on hand at Blach and Egan Middle Schools Sunday November 3 between 10 AM and 1 PM to accept donations. Stop by during that time, at either location, with your underutilized bikes. A needy student will thank you.
