Bikes and Trikes for Food Pantry's Benefit

THE IDEA

Suggested Donation: a year or whatever you feel is appropriate. You'll see why $1 is so much more. The Cost is Small the Rewards are Great for many.

1. Create a national grass roots group of all interested people who own cycles/bikes/trikes and wish to participate to donate once a year to their "local Food Pantry."
2. Local food pantries are many times alligned with the national Food Pantry Organizations allowing greater purchasing power. Every dollar donated buys far more direct from distributors and manufacturer's than you can buy canned goods and donating them.
3. The goal is to enlist the support of trikers/motorcyclists/former owners to donate. We rely on each other to do this.
4. Donate locally, direct to the Food Pantry and personally.
5. No national organization so money stays locally where it is needed.
6. Find local trike riders to ride to a favorite location for fun in support.
7. Possibly entice local trike builders, manufacturers to donate from their business.
8. Donate your dollar in your name and second as a Trikes Across The World for Hunger grass roots group.

Recently, I noticed maybe 20 or so people standing in line, in a light rain, at a local food pantry in Eau Claire, WI. It got my mind to thinking, but like many other thoughts, it resurfaced after watching Dateline Sunday night on the plight of so many people who do have not homes, live in cars, food is a daily crisis, no jobs. I do not have to paint any greater picture than that.

My parents went thru the depression years as kids. They remember hungry nights very well. I have a guilty feeling. I'm finally driving the trike We've wanted for quite a few years. I've been hungry, but not on a daily basis. Have You?

Church coffers are hurting due to the poor economic climate we all know about. I did not know or realize that 60% of those who are hungry every day are children and their single/divorced/widowed/abandoned mothers. Big business (some of them), help, others don't unless there is a tax situation for them. The government and politics, well are too big and cumbersome to really do much in all honesty or quickly. It all comes down to each and every individual person, to help those in need. I have a soft spot for little kids and people in general who are hungry, not lazy, or won't work, just down on their luck and hungry.

I believe those of us who ride motorcycles, trikes, scooters, whatever are a great group of people. So many bikers/trikers ride for many, many benefits across America and the World to help others. I am fortunate I am working, making my payments and enjoying life, what about those who are not, and there are many? Winter is coming too. It only costs a "buck".

Hunger Facts

A. An estimated 49 million Americans are food insecure. Of those 49 million, almost 17 million are children and 5 million are seniors.
B. Last year, over 37 million people used a Food Bank for emergency food assistance.
C. For every $1 you donate, on average provides 7 meals to men, women and children facing hunger in our country.
D. 21% of families with children are listed as being food insecure or not enough to eat on a daily basis.
E. There are not enough jobs in the US at this time.
F. This economic situation is said to take 4-6 more years to return to pre 2008 levels, maybe.

Just a couple of examples are listed below. Data is recent as of summer 2010.

I can post on this website or possibly create a new one later, the names of those who wish to provide support, cycle/trike model/make, and the name and location of the local food pantry you provide support to by state for future reference.

Whether anyone else does this, I and others will be doing so. Mark your calendars, Saturday September 11th, 2010. Let's make this a yearly benefit to help everyone. Take a ride to help those who's hunger is different than the ones we experience when riding for a day. You'll see me on the Mississippi Rivers Hwy 35 and River Road, on my way to the Davis Rally in New Hampton, IA. Where are you going to ride and donate that day?

This is not only for Americans, but our Canadian Friends, European, Asian and other areas around the world who wish to help out.

I'm hoping this starts out and helps. Check under your States for your Local Food Pantrys as they are sent to me to list. Use my email link above to send the info. Food Pantry Name, website, address, city, state and zip if you have it.