Alliance Donates Bikes to the Needy

The Bolsa Chica Alliance is donating more than 300 refurbished bicycles to the needy through homeless shelters, church organizations and other nonprofit groups.

Recipients are families and individuals who cannot afford to buy bicycles, Alliance members said. The bikes were refurbished by Gary Hoisington, owner of Team Bicycle.

The organization originally planned to spruce up and repair donated bicycles and place them at several sites downtown as environmentally friendly transportation for use by anyone.

But because of concerns of potential legal liability, the Alliance instead decided to collect and refurbish the bikes and offer them to the needy.

Organizers said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and hope to continue the program, which also drew help from Huntington Beach Mall, which provided storage, and local Boy Scouts and other volunteers who assisted with pickup and delivery.

Information: (714) 968-4668.