HYDE PARK — The TAG Foundation is searching for a few more bikes to fix up for a May 24 bike giveaway.
The foundation will refurbish and give away 500 bikes at Phillips High School, 244 E. Pershing Road, to Bronzeville kids.
"We're really optimistic that we'll get to 500," said Angela Ford, executive director of the TAG Foundation. "Everyone's got one or two if their kids are grown."
Ford said any bike would be accepted, no matter how long it might have been collecting dust in the garage.
"Even if it's not in riding condition, it can be rebuilt," Ford said. "We're a nation of hoarding, let's stop paying to hold on to stuff we'll never use again and pass it down to the younger generation."
Bicycles can be dropped off at the Wentworth District Police Station, 5101 S. Wentworth Ave., and Ald. Pat Dowell's 3rd Ward office, 5406 S. State St.
"I've been finding that bike riding is on the upswing in the community, and this bike giveaway will help promote healthy living," Dowell said. "I believe we should take advantage of our great summer weather to get more people on a bike."
Working Bikes, 2434 S. Western Ave., is fixing up the bikes and helping track down helmets and locks for as many kids as possible.
Ford said she hoped to expand the program to other neighborhoods in the coming years, but this year was focused on getting the neighbor kids in her Bronzeville community away from the video games and out riding.
"I'd love it to be like when I was a kid for them, we'd ride all the way to China — or so we thought," Ford said.
To register to get a free bike on May 24, visit tagbikebuilder.com.
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