By Andrew Martins
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – A group of young people in Plumsted Township are collecting used bicycles to benefit an organization in New Jersey’s capital city.
From now through June 30, the Plumsted Youth for Nature and the Environment (PYNE) will participate in the “Ride It Forward” initiative. Donated bicycles will be refurbished and sold to benefit the after-school programs of the Boys and Girls Club of Trenton.
PYNE President Dominic Esposito, 15, said the bicycle collection fits with the group’s mission of environmental stewardship and charity.
“As PYNE members, we try to be sustainability leaders in our community. As young people, we believe this starts with recycling,” Dominic said. “By organizing the ‘Ride It Forward’ bike drive, we are keeping usable bikes out of landfills while helping the less fortunate.”
PYNE will accept bicycles, regardless of their condition, at its table during New Egypt Day on May 14 or at the municipal building, Evergreen Road, from noon to 3 p.m. May 28. The group is able to pick up bicycles from individuals who would like to donate one.
All of the bicycles PYNE collects will be donated to the Boys and Girls Bike Exchange in Trenton, where the bicycles will be refurbished and sold at an affordable cost. Bicycles that cannot be refurbished can be used for parts or sold as scrap metal.
Dominic said donations will be tax deductible.
“It is not uncommon to see old bicycles at the curb for trash pick-up or bicycles collecting dust in garages or sheds,” the young man said. “We believe area residents will want to help … it’s a win-win situation.”
For more information about how to get involved or to schedule a bike pick-up, email pyne.president@gmail.com or call 609-649-3711.
