Workday Summary 11DEC10

Cleaning up the workshop a week prior was extremely beneficial. Jeff Stones and I organized parts, evaluated inventory, and make a list of parts that we needed. Then I lost the list. But my loss resulted in a great discussion with Jim at Spring Valley Cycles Saturday morning as I purchased parts. I met Jim when Kristin and I first came to Houston. He was leading a spinning class at the Post Oak YMCA. Yet another “Houston—the Smallest Big City in the World” story. Who would have thought that 12 years later I would have a partnership with him.

I think the bikes have started breeding. There were four more bikes in the workshop between the time that Jeff and I prepped the workshop and Saturday. What a blessing. Among the volunteers was Sarah Tyler (who was responsible for the “breeding” - picking up bikes from various places in Houston) brought her three kids, and they washed bikes together. Elizabeth Renton (landscape architect and business associate) and her husband Bill came out and they finished two bikes together. There was great joy in seeing families working together helping to give the gift of freedom. At the end of the day, there are 16 bikes that will find new homes just in time for Christmas. We also pulled in $150 in donations.

Next Saturday, 18DEC10, we will be having a bicycle intake day with our new partners—Houston Cycling Centers and Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM). We will be at Spring Valley Cycles (9414 Gaylord, across from Memorial High School). All of the bikes that we pull in that day will go back to clients in Memorial Assistance Ministries Employment Services program. I am thankful to Mercedes at Westside Homeless Partnership for inviting me to a meeting of various social service groups in the Spring Branch area. I met Bob King at MAM through that connection, and now we have another very worthy avenue for connecting donors to needs!

I have men’s and women’s t-shirts available for purchase. They are white on black (like the logo at the top of this page. They are $20, and of course, the proceeds go to help purchase parts to keep us going! From my last workday summary, I have sat quietly and thought about what I thankful for. Among my blessings are the support and encouragement from each of you on this email blast. Whether a workhorse mechanic, or a simple email—you all help keep this effort moving forward—by your thoughts, prayers, and actions.

Thank you for a very successful workday, and a year of helping spread freedom and hope one bike at a time.

Pay it Forward and—Merry Christmas!
David