2012 Working Bikes To Do List, #2

Attend our Anniversary Party

Check the web site periodically for the posting. The date and time still to be determined. A guaranteed good time is had by all!

Christmas

Merry Christmas to all,

from your friends at The Working Bikes Cooperative

Working Bikes Supports The Arts

Weather you need a bicycle for a photo shoot, or one of the thousands of bicycle parts we sell for one of your creations, let Working Bikes be your canvas. Artists have been know to frequent Working Bikes for material. And new bikes and parts appear on the sales floor everyday we are open. So stop in and browse. The volunteers are friendly and the artistic posibilities are endless. Happy Holidays.

Thanksgiving

This is Thanksgiving Week.

It was said so well last year that we are repeating it here:

Thank you to everyone who:

- volunteers their time or money to support the mission of the Working Bikes Cooperative

- everyone who donates a bicycle to Working Bikes

- everyone who purchases a used bicycle from Working Bikes, and

- everyone who supports our partners in Africa and Central America

There is no better time than this week to tell everyone you know about the mission of The Working Bikes Cooperative. Whether you have an hour a month, or 8 hours a day, you can help us. You don't even need to know how to ride a bike or turn a wrench. Happy Thanksgiving!

Cranksgiving sponsored by M & M Cyclery

Cranksgiving began in 1999 in New York City by a group of avid cyclists to raise donations and supplies for their local food bank. Today, cities all over the country participate in this event on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. M & M Cyclery is very excited to be hosting their First Cranksgiving and hope to make it a huge succcess.How much does it cost? Nothing! Your donations are your entryWhere are donations going?
To the Fremont Township Food PantryWhat do I need to bring? Bike, helmet, money, something to carry items in (rack back pack, trailer)How do I play? You will be given a list of items to collect. Your items must come from 3 different locations listed on your route. The order does not matter as long ast you make purchases at each location. * you may purchase gift cards instead. How will the ride go? Arrive at M&M at 11am to check in, sign waiver, receive your item list and route map. We will all leave by 11:30am to set out on route. The route is roughly 7 miles of road/sidewalk. When you come back you will check in and weigh your food items. Then help yourself to warm beverages and snacks.Is there a winner? While you don't have to race, there will be prizes for the first people back as well as a Trailer division. (heaviest food collected wins the Trailer Division)What if it's Cold? Dress warm, Really Really Warm!Can my children come? Of course! We will have an abbreviated route for families with children on bicycles under the age of 16.What if I can't make this awesome event?If you can't make it to the ride we will gladly accept your donations all day on Saturday (10am-5pm) Anything helps!If you have any further questions please contact the Staff at M&M at 847-362-2451

Shipping News

On October 26th 15 volunteers at Working Bikes loaded up 450 bicycles for the Angola National Association of Support in Teaching and Instruction of Children. This follows the co-ops Mission Statement, Working Bikes gives new life to old bikes and independence to those who ride them...

Looking for some community service hours, or just an uplifting feeling of helping a really good cause, then consider volunteering during the next shipping party. Check the web site periodically for updates. It is a good time with good people. Peace

Working Bikes at the DPPL Science Fair

The Des Plaines Public Library's Family Science Expo 2011 was a great success due to the combined efforts of all exhibitors, including Working Bikes. The exhibit by Working Bikes was a favorite among the crowd, which numbered over 400. The events attendees were amazed that a simple bicycle, found in nearly every garage in America, was able to produce electricity to power a stereo and a water pump. Several bikes were donated by the attendees of the event to assist with Working Bikes' mission to collect bicycles so that they may be used as tools of empowerment in developing countries. Thanks to the volunteers from Working Bikes for their hard work in making the Des Plaines Public Library's Family Science Expo 2011 a huge success.

article submitted by Lauren Alleman, Youth Services Assistant, Des Plaines Public Library