Neighbor stories

Glendale, AZ neighbor collects over 40 bikes for those in need

Written by Nick Brinkerhoff

Have you used Nextdoor to help collect donation items before?

Hillcrest Ranch resident Michelle hadn’t until recently when she was looking to donate bikes to St. Vincent de Paul, and was pleasantly surprised at the response!

As part of National Bike Month, Michelle was looking to collect bikes to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul bike shop in Phoenix, AZ. The St. Vincent De Paul bike shop refurbishes bikes for those in need, with the nonprofit organization restoring around 50 bikes a month with the help of volunteers. Once refurbished, the bikes go to nearby thrift stores where they are sold for an affordable price for families that may not have the opportunity to buy bikes for their families, or they are given to those in Phoenix’s homeless community as a way to help them gain freedom and travel for jobs.  

Michelle had originally posted on other sites looking for donations and was expecting to collect only a handful of bikes. However, it quickly became clear that she wasn’t reaching the right people – those who lived nearby who would feel a more direct tie to her cause. So, she turned to Nextdoor knowing that she’d be reaching her actual neighbors this time.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail

Some of the bikes donated to St. Vincent De Paul

The moment she published her post, the response was stunning– several neighbors offered their bikes almost instantly! But that wasn’t all. The responses kept pouring in with more and more neighbors offering their own bikes as well as those from friends who also wanted to participate. Within five days, Michelle had collected over 40 bikes. Neighbors were also offering to donate furniture and household items. Michelle was blown away by the response and exceeded her goal tenfold.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail

Michelle’s post on Nextdoor

Michelle felt a newfound connection with her neighborhood that she hadn’t felt before posting on Nextdoor. Collecting the bikes was a great way for her to introduce herself to her neighbors (most of whom she did not know beforehand) all while promoting giving back within the community.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail

Nextdoor member Michelle, who was able to collect more than 40 bikes for families in need through her post


St. Vincent de Paul is always looking for household items and furniture in good condition. If you live in the Phoenix area, you can schedule a donation pickup here.

 

Leave a Comment

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This
Theme is edited