Key takeaways:
– The nonprofit organization TurningWheels for Kids has gifted bicycles to underprivileged youth in San Jose.
– The initiative aims to enhance children’s physical, mental, and social health through cycling.
– The nonprofit has donated almost 50,000 bikes over the past two decades.
– It’s providing resources and activities that improve children’s mental health, school work, and physical fitness.
Gifts of Freedom and Joy
In San Jose, an 18-year-old Aaliyah Rosete found joy in a simple thing she had never experienced before: cycling. Thanks to Evergreen Valley High School’s partnership with a nonprofit organization, TurningWheels for Kids (TWFK), Aaliyah and her 10-year-old brother Emiliano received their bicycles free of charge. These weren’t just bikes for the siblings; they symbolized freedom, joy, and a chance to take in the serene beauty of nature.
Having never ridden a bike before, riding was a steep learning curve for Aaliyah. However, after overcoming her initial nerves, she quickly got a knack for it, practicing in her home’s hallway while using the walls for support. Once she gained confidence, she embarked on her first official bike ride to Baskin Robbins, an experience she fondly recalls.
The Brainchild of a Passionate Nurse
The brainchild of Sue Runsfold, a surgical nurse at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, TWFK was established in 2005. Runsfold noticed that many of her patients didn’t have access to a bicycle, an essential tool for regular exercise that was lacking in their homes. This realization spurred her into action, raising funds, and building bicycles that were later given to needy children.
TWFK steadily gained momentum, with the Valley Health Foundation incorporating it into its broader philanthropy work. The organization not only builds and donates bikes, but the project includes helmets and locks for each child, covering all aspects of bike ownership and safety.
Enhancing Health through Cycling
TWFK’s mission extends beyond just providing bikes; the program focuses on highlighting the wide range of physical, mental, and social health benefits that come with cycling. Riding a bike can significantly improve physical fitness, foster inclusivity, and build self-esteem, creating a much-needed positive impact in these children’s lives.
Additionally, the gift of a bike immensely benefits the commuting needs of middle and high school students. With bicycles, students have a reliable transportation mode without heavily relying on their parents, school buses, or public transit. In a region affected by school closures and lacking in bussing systems, bikes provide a cheaper and safer transportation solution for kids.
Overcoming Hurdles and Building Community Bonds
Delays due to global funding issues and supply chain backlogs caused by the ongoing pandemic considerably reduced the number of bicycles donated annually by TWFK from 4,000 to about 500 in the past two years. However, despite these challenges, the drive to make a difference persists.
Even as TWFK continues to navigate concerns surrounding the pandemic and supply chain obstructions, the organization is gearing up to give out its 50,000th bike in the coming years. The nonprofit is steadily rebuilding its financial sustainability and embracing remote-working setups without dampening their mission’s spirit.
TWFK remains committed to its cause, ordering thousands of specially designed VHFlyer bicycles directly from manufacturers in China. These are distributed to various South Bay region’s social support providers, including local schools, community centers, and fire departments.
Guided by the goal of reaching out to underprivileged children, TWFK plans to continue its philanthropic cause for years to come, spreading the joy of cycling and enhancing the overall health and well-being of children in San Jose.