Oct 30, 2014 By David Singer 2 min read

Volunteers in Peters Township last year collected 52 used bikes for children’s families unable to afford them. This year, volunteer Trish O’Donnell hopes to increase that number.

“I decided to get involved last year after my husband Tom and I met Jerry Kraynick. Jerry is a bike enthusiast from Oakland and over the years, he’s taken in used bikes and repaired them free of charge to hand back over to the Salvation Army to be distributed to needy kids throughout the Pittsburgh area,” O’Donnell said.

The Peters Township couple, who have two children, Caelan, 12, and Bryce, 9, are trying to ramp up support ahead of the Nov. 1 donation drive at C.S. Kim Karate, 3637 Washington Road, from 9 a.m.-noon. The bikes are to be given to children ages 3-12.

“We received permission from my son’s karate instructor, Master Dean Kelly, to use the parking lot Saturday… and South Hills Movers are donating a truck. Last year, my husband and I ended up renting a U-Haul truck. We’re hoping it gets filled this year.”

“Living in the South Hills, I have noticed many times, how really terrific looking bikes are out for garbage collection when so many children could benefit from them who have so little.”