Donated Bucks Co. Bikes, Sewing Machines Headed To Madagascar

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The parking lot across from Olde Saint Andrews Church bustled with activity Saturday morning as cars pulled into the lot to unload their donated bikes and sewing machines.

As early morning gave way to late morning and a chilly wind blew across the lot, a pile of used bikes and sewing machines grew larger and larger as a group of volunteers prepared them for shipment.

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Seeing the bikes and sewing machines come in warmed the heart of Newtown Rotarian Dr. Jerry Agasar who has been organizing the drive for the past 24 years for the Newtown Rotary Club through the New Jersey-based nonprofit, Pedals for Progress and Sewing Peace.

"When this started I thought we'd do it for two, maybe three years. I cannot believe the response we have been getting year after year," said Agasar, who estimates that over the years the club has collected upwards of 3,500 to 4,000 bikes. "I am so grateful to our community for its generosity."

Agasar admitted he wasn't quite sure what to expect this year. But his concerns soon lessened as the community again responded with bikes of all shapes and sizes and a lot of used sewing machines, including one Singer sewing machine over a century old.

While the used bikes don't have any real value in the states because they are so cheap, Pedals for Progress executive director Alan Schultz said they are priceless in other parts of the world where they can provide jobs and a means of transportation.

The Newtown Rotary bike collection crew. (Jennifer Ceslak)

Allan Fidler prepares a bike for shipment. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Loading the bikes for their trip overseas. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

"It just changes people's lives," said Schultz. "It's not a hand out. It's a leg up," he says. "It gives them the ability to go out and work and provide for their families so no one goes hungry. You have to go to school. You have to go shopping. You have to go to work. And you need a way to do that," said Schultz.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Newtown Rotarians and Pedals For Progress, this year 170 bikes and more than 20 sewing machines are on their way to Madagascar, Liberia, Belize and Guatemala.

Donations in support of Pedals for Progress and Sewing Peace may be made to the Newtown Rotary Club, PO Box 123, Penns Park 18943. Checks should be made payable to Pedals for Progress.

If you couldn't make it to Saturday's collection drive and have bikes or sewing machines to donate, email drjerry@agasarfamilywellcare.com or call 215-605-3268 to make collection arrangements for next year.