A typical collection is a one-time event, sponsored by a local organization and held on a Saturday or Sunday. Volunteers help donors unload bikes, issue receipts on behalf of Bikes for the World, and prepare bike for shipping by compacting them at the collection. Bikes for the World can provide a mentor during the event to assist or answer questions and we also send a truck and driver to remove the bikes at the end of the event.

The idea of expanding students’ global awareness of life in developing countries where children are unable to attend school or get to the doctor because of the lack of personal transportation was an important concept. The whole notion of our throw-away society was also something we wanted to convey as well as just simple activism and becoming involved in service to others.

Retired school principal and Collection Manager

Not only does our partnership with Bikes for the World extend to global projects, it creates a unique local opportunity for service and outreach. For Otterbein it is one of many “parking lot” ministries offered throughout the year. Outreach on our lot brings together church neighborhood and members.

Collection Manager, Otterbein United Methodist Church
Hagerstown, MD

If you are interested in learning more about hosting a collection or to schedule an event please contact us. You can also access our Collection Guide here.

Below is a short introductory video on how kids can get involved by working with Bikes for the World on a bike collection. We also put a ‘similar face’ on the bikes being donated by giving a glimpse into our Bikes for Education program supported by our Philippines partner Bikes for the Philippines.

BfW Assistance

The BfW coordinator in your area will generally provide written guidelines and customized guidance; supply specialized tools, receipts, and literature; and arrange for pick-up of collected bicycles.

Leadership and Responsibility

Work for the Scout is divided into two parts of equal importance: (1) pre-event publicity and (2) event-day receipt and compaction of bicycles for shipment. Both parts require the Scout to recruit and supervise a crew of volunteers.

An effective marketing strategy is essential to make people aware of the event and per-suade them to donate a bicycle and $10 per bike to defray shipping costs. A Scout must be convinced of the value of the BfW program, and able to effectively communicate. Publicity materials must be designed, reproduced, and distributed. Ideally, recruited volunteers–other scouts, family friends–would expand the coverage.

On collection day, if adequately informed, the public will bring bicycles and an accompanying cash donation to the site, where the sponsor must provide receipts and BfW literature, and compact the bikes for shipment. An effective event requires the Scout to train, assign responsibilities to, and supervise volunteers; deal with the public; manage funds; and “troubleshoot” problems. The candidate, in consultation with the BfW advisor, should make contingency plans for unanticipated difficulties, e.g., too many bikes or not enough volunteers.

After Completion

Once you complete your project, the Eagle Scout review board must approve the manner in which it was carried out. Questions the panel may ask include:

1. Did you demonstrate leadership of others?
   
   
2. Were you indeed the project director, rather than doing [all] the work yourself?
   
   
3. Was the project helpful to the benefited institution [Bikes for the World in this case]?
   
   
4. Did the project follow the plan? If changes were made, why were they made?