This report was written by Earl Smith.
The Bikes for the World (BFW) collection sponsored by both St Mary’s Catholic Church and Burke Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 13 was a great success. We collected 100 bikes.
![](https://www.burkepreschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230422_102625-1024x768.jpg)
The bikes will be part of the next shipment going to Costa Rica in the near future. BFW can usually get about 450 to 500 bikes in a shipping container. The BFW rep who picked up our bikes recently returned from a trip to one of the many countries in either Central America or Africa that receive shipments. BFW uses a rigorous vetting process for the in-country organizations receiving shipments for distribution. Their primary concern is to make sure the donated bikes go to people in need and not to for-profit organizations. He mentioned that the bikes are most appreciated by kids who usually have to walk 6 to 8 miles to school.
![](https://www.burkepreschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCN6153-1024x768.jpg)
We had several volunteer parents and teenagers to help process the bikes for shipment.
![](https://www.burkepreschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/27412.jpeg)
Thanks to all the BPC members and friends who donated bikes.
![](https://www.burkepreschurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCN6144-1024x640.jpg)
Visit the Bikes for the World website for more information, including a collection schedule and locations in Northern Virginia that accept donations on a regular basis.