Salem-Based Nonprofit Makes Bicycle Donations To North Shore Families In Need

LYNN, MA — A summer bicycle giveaway last week resulted in 200 free bikes for children through Centerboard’s Lynn Family Resource Center.

The event on Saturday was a partnership between Mutt Society, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit, and Lynn-based nonprofit Centerboard Inc.

Mutt Society collected the bicycles, repaired them, and matched them to children with support from donors, volunteers, and local bike stores. Organizers said the giveaway is part of Mutt Society’s annual summer bike drive.

The annual bike drive is being held in memory of Anthony "Tony" Monteiro, an Air Force veteran and avid outdoorsman. His family continues to honor his legacy by helping children experience the joy of owning their own bicycle.

The event is expected to bring together Centerboard leadership and staff, Lynn Family Resource Center Program Director Olivia Grinstead, the Monteiro family, volunteers, community partners, and around 200 children and their families.

Mutt Society has delivered nearly 1,000 bikes to children in communities north of Boston since 2022. The nonprofit, founded in 2016, says it uses bicycles to strengthen communities locally and around the world. Its work includes bike donation programs, community events and partnerships aimed at removing barriers to transportation while promoting happiness, freedom, health and belonging.

The organization also says it has been involved in personal transportation initiatives since repairing hurricane-damaged trails in Puerto Rico a decade ago.