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Pump Track organizers focus on giving bikes to needy riders

BURNHAM — Now that the SteelWorx Pump Track in Burnham is open, Carli Russler and Shannon McGonigle want to make sure area youths have the bicycles needed to enjoy it.

Located at the former Burnham Jamboree Fairgrounds, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new bike track on Nov. 16.

Created and managed by Every Kid Rides Project, the women have now switched their focus to getting bicycles to those in the community.

“The program was designed to help kids in need obtain bicycles,” Russler said. “We would love to be able to get bicycles to parents prior to Christmas so that their children could receive them Christmas morning.”

This winter, Russler and McGonigle are hoping to donate at least 30 bicycles to youths in need.

“We have already given away several bicycles,” McGonigle added. “We are using applications to determine the financial need and the size, style, etc. of a bicycle so that each child can get a bicycle that is appropriate for them and one they will enjoy riding.”

The two believe that the youths will be overjoyed to receive brand-new bicycles, especially for the upcoming holiday season.

“The bicycles that we have already given out are being ridden every day and the kids were thrilled,” Russler said. “There are no stipulations for getting bicycles.”

McGonigle said Every Kid Rides Project will continue to give out bicycles as often as it can and that purchasing additional bikes will be the primary goal of any ongoing fundraising along with other projects.

While the track is now open for kids to ride, donated bicycles don’t necessarily have to be used at the track.

“They can be used anywhere the child enjoys riding and whatever style of riding they enjoy is not limited to Pump Track use,” Russler said.

For more information, including donation forms, find them on Facebook.

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