Pedals for Progress Has Another Successful Year in South Brunswick

The recent Pedals for Progress collection at South Brunswick High School was another resounding success for the program that sends used bicycles overseas to developing countries.  The group collected 108 bicycles, $1260 in monetary donations, 20 sewing machines and three bags of soccer equipment.

The collection was made possible by generous donations from the community and the hard work of the numerous volunteers who contributed their time. 

"Thanks go out to the custodians at SBHS, the teachers and students who volunteered," said co-coordinator and Constable second grade teacher Devon Smith.

The program, which began in 1991, was started locally in 1999 by South Brunswick High School math teacher Larry Witlen, a former Peace Corps volunteer.  Witlen attended a Peace Corps convention with displays on some of the projects volunteers were running and decided to bring Pedals for Progress to South Brunswick. Smith will be taking over coordinating the program in South Brunswick full time next year for the retiring Witlen.

Pedals for Progress has sent over 125,000 bicycles, 1,000 used sewing machines and $10.8 million in new spare parts to partner charities in 32 developing countries. 

Last year in South Brunswick, 145 bikes and eight sewing machines were collected and sent overseas.  Since the local donations began, South Brunswick has sent over 1,700 bikes and over 40 sewing machines to developing nations, Smith said.  The program has also raised $17,000 locally to help defray the approximately $30 to $40 per bike shipping cost.

Next year's collection is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2012, and the group will begin collecting bikes again in September.  For more information email Devon Smith at Devon.Smith@sbschools.org.

Click here for more information on Pedals for Progress.