BIG RAPIDS – Thanks to the efforts of “Dump and Run,” and area volunteers, 62 children
received a bike this fall.
There were 46 children at Eagle Village and 10 through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program that benefited from the donation, with the remainder of bicycles being donated to area foster homes.
“Dump and Run” gives college students the opportunity to donate clothing, food, shoes and school supplies, among other gently used items, versus throwing them away as they move out of residence halls at the end of the school year.
Typically, Ferris’ Department of Public Safety holds a summer bike sale for the bikes left around campus after students leave. This year, DPS decided to donate the bikes instead.
“Lots of students throw away perfectly good items just because they don’t want to bother taking them home,” said Kimberly Betters of Carney, a P1 student in Ferris’ Pharmacy program. “It gives students the opportunity to do something good for the community.”
According to Diane Griffin, founder and coordinator of “Dump and Run,” Eagle Village and Big Brothers Big Sisters were chosen to receive the bicycles because of their dedication to children and families in need.
Eagle Village in Hersey is a facility serving and helping thousands of abused, neglected and troubled children find homes.
Other organizations that benefited from “Dump and Run” donations include Project Starburst, Women’s Information Services, Inc.; St. Andrews Episcopal Church Manna Pantry, Morley-Stanwood American Legion Food Pantry, and New Directions High School.