Volunteers Flip Bikes For Kids’ Holiday Gifts
Sharing Wheels is a “secret weapon” resource for city cyclists.
The nonprofit has a walk-in shop with all of the tools you need to fix your bike.
And I do mean all of the tools: tire patches, derailleurs, allen wrenches, bike stands. Does your cycle need a light or a fender? A pannier rack? Sharing Wheels has got what you need.
You pay for the parts, you do the labor. Or, you can pay a small fee and the on-site experts will repair what ails your cycle.
Sharing Wheels also gives back to the community by “flipping” donated bikes, and gifting them to children for Christmas. This year they have 135 donated bikes that need some elbow grease and a little bit of TLC.
Sharing Wheels needs your work to make them shine.
Every Thursday from September 13 until December 6 (except Thanksgiving), Sharing Wheels is hosting weekly work parties where members from the community can go and fix bikes for kids.
They also host intermittent work parties on Sundays. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the big game; they play the Seahawks on the radio.
Our own Tyler Chism volunteering at Sharing Wheels.
Never fixed a bike before? No problem. This Thursday Sharing Wheels will also be hosting a training class from 6:30 to 7:30. They’ll walk you through the fundamentals of bike repair, followed by a work party until 9 p.m.
Besides this first class, there are two other training classes between now and December.
Sarah Molitch, now a Sharing Wheels employee, started as a volunteer fixing kids bikes. She learned many practical skills that she now uses in her daily bike life.
“Now I know all the ins and outs of keeping [my bike] running smooth and practically silent. Knowing how to identify issues and correct them is absolutely empowering. It makes me feel comfortable going out on long rides and totally relying on just my bike for daily transportation.”
Bikes at Sharing Wheels.
ABOUT CHRISTMAS HOUSE
Enter the second nonprofit in our story.
Christmas House distributes the fixed kids bikes. The Christmas House is a volunteer program that gives thousands of free gifts to low-income Snohomish County parents. Last year they provided over 46,000 gifts to 7,500 children from 2,500 families. That’s impressive.
Each December their “store” opens at the North Everett Boys & Girls Club Gym.
During the holiday season, qualifying low-income kids and families can go to the gym and select free toys. It’s a good thing.
The gym at Christmas House.
So the formula emerges: you plus Sharing Wheels plus Christmas House equals holiday joy for local children. Seriously. And you can hone your bike skills and have a blast while doing it.
SHARING WHEELS
2531 Broadway
(425) 252-6952
CHRISTMAS HOUSE
PO Box 717, Everett, WA 98206
DONATE FUNDS OR GIFTS HERE
More local bike stuff:
Spot Check: Bayside Bikes
Read about Everett’s bike infrastructure
Everett bike courier is Hewitt’s descendant
Cycle enthusiasts Brittney & Tyler Rourke on live in everett podcast #33
Richard Porter is a writer for Live in Everett.
Two Sundays of live jazz at Bluewater, 5 to 7 p.m. with no cover: the Greg Williamson Trio on Nov. 1 and the Milo Petersen Trio on Nov. 15.
A free all-ages matinee at Wheel and House, with the Bergevins and company covering the Indigo Girls, Johnny Cash, Elton John and American classics. 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 7.
Home bartending tips and spirits tastings with owner John Lundin, 6 p.m. Nov. 18. $25, limited seats, 21 and over.
Division I men’s college basketball comes to Everett for the first time as WSU takes on Hawaii at Angel of the Winds Arena, 7 p.m. Nov. 18.
Handmade gifts and goodies from local vendors at PUD headquarters, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 20, with proceeds supporting low-income seniors’ electric bills.
The Music Circle’s student bands play 2000s rock radio hits at APEX, with ticket sales supporting the school’s scholarship program.
Forty-five minutes of mat Pilates with Alexi McKinley, then a champagne cocktail and brunch. 10 a.m. Nov. 28, $50, limited seats.
The Everett Philharmonic’s annual family concert, with Music Director Bobby Collins conducting at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Thanksgiving weekend.
Guest post by Everett Farmers Market Manager Karen Erickson: Look past the produce tables and you’ll find Chuckanut Beef, Sea to Shore Seafood Co., and Salt Blade salami — three vendors with stories worth bringing home for supper.
Guest post by Everett Comedy founder and host Cory Michaelis: how a monthly indie show at the newly renovated New Everett Theater became the only regular stop for nationally touring headliners in Snohomish County.
Guest post by Everett Farmers Market Manager Karen Erickson: September brings a changing harvest to the market — meet the farms behind it, and take home some tomatoes while you’re at it.
Guest post by Karen Erickson: Seven etiquette tips for your first open mic, plus seven Everett spots where you can take a turn at the microphone — or just pull up a chair and listen.