Bike Collection For "Pedals For Progress"

[Henry]

Brothers,

Please find attached a brochure for the Bike Collection.  The brochure is supposed to be front and back.  Please make as many copies as possible and distribute them to family, friends, colleagues, strangers, etc.  GET THE WORD OUT!  I was hoping to pass these out after mass on Saturday and Sunday, although my printer at work is not working at the moment.  I’m not sure I’ll be there Saturday, maybe someone else can take charge of that on Saturday?  I think the brochure is pretty self-explanatory but my number is on there if any one has any questions, they can give me a call.  Again, the best way you can help is “GET THE WORD OUT”.  We collected 30 bikes last year, I would love to collect twice that number this year, and don’t forget the sewing machines.  If people can’t make the collection they can drop bikes off at the rectory before 3 PM M – F or if they give us a call, we can arrange for a “pick up”.  Your help is appreciated!  Have a great weekend!

Bob Thompson

Click on the following link for more information:

http://www.vtgrandpa.com/special/P4P Brochure (Fairfax).pdf

[kpplus2]

If I could make a suggestion: local Police Departments may Have unclaimed bikes that nobody has taken ownership of, ones that have been found or have been involved in a theft you may want to contact local PD's and the State Police. I know we have 1 or 2 at our department I can grab for you.

[mirjo]

At the risk of being politically incorrect, I have to ask publicly, since the opportunity presents itself: why are such humanitarian efforts not put forth in the US? I am in no way against helping people or against these programs; I'm just amazed at how we as a nation will go all over the world in the form of church /school groups and such, to do such things for others, but leave so many people here in poverty w/out such help. And often scorned for being poor.

What is it? Shame & embarrassment that we should have third-world conditions in parts of this country and it's better to ignore the problem than do something--because that would be admitting it? Yes, there is habitat for humanity, but I don't hear about anything where there are peace-corp type groups/church groups going to known poverty stricken areas in the US (Appalachia) and helping to get an entire village or town functional.

Maybe it's not possible? However, I would like to believe that it has been thought of and tried at some point in time.