On April 10, First Church West Hartford will host a collection of bicycles and suitcases.

Submitted

On Saturday April 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, First Church West Hartford and the JPW Library at 12 South Main Street, will be collecting gently used bicycles and small used or new suitcases. The collection supports the missions of two local nonprofit organizations: Hartford Cycles and Ädelbrook.

“We know many of our members and friends have been busy reorganizing and cleaning during the pandemic,” commented one of the event organizers, JPW Library Director Jennifer deSimas. “By partnering with Hartford Cycles and Ädelbrook we are helping that process along by giving everyone a convenient way to repurpose good quality bikes and suitcases!”

Hartford Cycles focuses on providing access for kids who have not historically had access to cycling due to economic or racial barriers. One major barrier is access to a safe bike, the tools to repair it, and replacement parts. This bike drive will provide the organization with the raw materials needed for them to teach basic mechanical skills while assembling a functioning bike.

Ädelbrook is a licensed, certified, residential treatment facility based in Cromwell, CT, serving children and young adults who are on the autism spectrum or have other behavioral/health challenges. Ädelbrook’s Transitional Academy for high school graduates helps young adults acquire life skills, and when they are ready to move on they are in need of duffels or suitcases for their belongings.

What is needed:

• Adult and young adult bicycles in used condition
• Bike shop quality bikes
• Wheels, parts, or partly functional bikes
• Cycling/sport clothing
• Gently used luggage
• Sturdy totes and backpacks

If you need to drop off your donations outside of the listed time frame, or if you have any questions about the bags and bikes collection, please reach out to the JPW Library: [email protected] or 860-232-3893.

More details can also be found on the Facebook event page.

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