Mikes Bike Shop Donates Bicycles to WINGS Survivors

For many years, Wayne at Mikes Bike Shop located in Palatine, has been donating bicycles to WINGS clients. The bicycles have provided access to transportation for domestic violence survivors who often come to WINGS with only the clothes on their backs.

Transportation is often a challenge for families with little or no income.

With high costs to own and maintain a vehicle and the expense and issues of access associated with public transportation, Mikes Bike Shop’s donated bicycles provide freedom for clients. These donations provide the ability and flexibility for participants to get to job interviews or work, doctor’s appointments, counseling, and other important appointments as they work toward self-sufficiency.

“We are so grateful for Mikes Bike Shop’s continued bike donations for our clients. Since we don’t have the storage space needed to keep bikes on-hand, I am very appreciative that we can call him on a case by case basis. 

Whether the bikes are needed as a main source of transportation or as a way to bond with their children, bikes can be very empowering to clients who come to our Safe Houses that are just starting out on their own again. Wayne is a very caring person,” Tabitha Nilson, WINGS In-Kind Program Donations Supervisor shares.

Mikes Bike Shop

Wayne, who has been donating bikes to non-profits since 1999, first became involved with WINGS when he was referred to the agency by another non-profit.

“My philosophy is that spending time outdoors is good for families. Recreational bike riding is not only a healthy activity, but it brings families together. Using bikes for transportation is better for our community; it helps people save funds on gas and is better for our environment.

When I was growing up, bikes represented freedom and independence. It is rewarding to help bring those same feelings to WINGS families,” Wayne shares.

Not only has Mikes Bike Shop donated dozens of bicycles, Wayne has also donated and installed bike racks at the agency’s safe house.

“My Daughter’s Dream Came True”

Boma, a graduate of WINGS programs, volunteers at the agency with her daughter Angie. One day Angie was speaking to a WINGS staff member about how she was looking forward to going bike riding on a bike that Mikes Bike Shop had donated.

When the staff member asked if they were going to be riding bikes together, Angie replied, “No, I wish she had a bike to ride with me.”

WINGS contacted Wayne who was able to donate a bike so the mother and daughter could ride together.

Overjoyed at this generosity, Boma and Angie wrote a heartfelt thank you note.

“Thank you so much for this tremendous act of kindness. For giving me a bike I could never afford. My daughter’s dream you’ve made come true. She has always wished I could ride with her. 

God bless you and all you do. ~Boma & Angie.”

Looking to Donate Items?

Are you looking to provide dignity to domestic violence survivors and fill a critical agency need? Click here to see a list of WINGS most needed items: http://wingsprogram.com/in-kind-gift-donations/