Re-CYCLE Bikes for Kids Collection June 20

New and Used Bikes Will Be Collected in Birmingham and Auburn Hills on June 20

Oakland County Sheriff and Dan Gutfreund Realty Group Come Together For Annual Re-CYCLE for Kids, Collecting Bikes for Children in Need

With some summer programming and sports leagues altered, many kids will be spending more time at home this summer. To help ensure kids stay active, Dan Gutfreund Realty Group, a member of Signature Sotheby’s, is teaming up with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE for Kids program, along with 1-800-Self-Storage.com, Birmingham Police Department, and the Sheriff PAL Program (Police Athletic League) Oakland County, to collect new and used bicycles and helmets for Oakland County children and adults in need.

New or used bikes of all sizes and bike accessories may be dropped off contact-free from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at 1-8000-Self-Storage.com moving trucks parked two locations in Oakland County. The first will be parked at the junction of Woodward Avenue and South Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham (across from Sherwin Williams Paint Store) and the second will be parked in Lot 39 on Oakland University’s campus on Squirrel Rd at the intersection of Pioneer Drive in Auburn Hills. Volunteers will be on hand to remove bikes from vehicles, following all CDC social distancing guidelines, wearing gloves and masks. Individuals dropping off a bike are asked to stay in their car, or if they do prefer to unload their bike, to practice social distancing and wear a mask.

“Not only is bike riding a fun activity for friends and families, but studies also show that a 30-minute bike ride actually improves memory, relieves stress and can have positive effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” said Dan Gutfreund. “More than ever, the need is now; as people are packing up their homes to move or cleaning out their garages, we ask them to be on the lookout for bikes that can be donated to the Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE program.”

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office began the Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE for Kids program in 2006 to provide refurbished bicycles to local children. Since the program’s inception, thousands of bikes have been collected, recycled, and given to people in need. Sheriff’s Office personnel coordinate refurbishment and repair of the bicycles, and then make them available at no cost through a variety of non-profit organizations that distribute them to their clients in need.

“While many programs and activities are canceled for the summer, it’s still safe, and important for our physical and mental health, for kids and families to get outside and be active,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “I ask all citizens that may have unused bikes at their home to donate them to the Re-CYCLE for Kids program and help those in need.” Those who do not have a bike to donate, may make a donation to help purchase bikes and equipment.