A long-standing collaboration among local businesses, first responders, faith organizations and nonprofits ensured that nearly 200 donated bicycles were delivered to children in need across Monroe County this year.
The effort began several years ago when Gary Centonze of Gary’s Plumbing and Fire started coordinating bicycle donations through local donors and community partners. Working with Rotary clubs, fire and police departments, churches and charitable groups, the goal has remained consistent: ensure children throughout the county have access to bicycles through trusted local channels.
“This has always been about cooperation,” Centonze said. “When businesses, first responders, and community organizations work together, the impact is much greater than any one group could achieve alone.”
WeCycle, the local bike shop owned by Evan Haskell, has supported the initiative by donating bicycles, sourcing other bikes at wholesale cost, and assembling and delivering bikes to kids in need. His approach has focused on reducing barriers so partner organizations can concentrate on distribution and outreach.
“This has always been about getting more kids on bikes,” Haskell said. “The real work is done by the organizations that know the families and make the connections.”
This year’s bicycle distributions are being coordinated through a wide range of organizations. They include Southernmost Baptist Church, Monroe County firefighters union, SOS Foundation in coordination with the Key West Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Presents in Paradise with support from Monroe County Fire Rescue.
Over the past few years, some 600 bicycles have been donated or partially funded through Gary’s Plumbing and Fire and WeCycle, in partnership with these organizations, and distributed to children throughout Monroe County.
