News : Pedals 4 Progress: VSHS students collecting bikes, donations for poor countries

The students in the Personal and Professional Communications class of Mr. Eric Upmeyer shared with the Vinton-Shellsburg School Board their efforts to help provide bicycles to people in poor countries.

The students are involved in the international P4P (Pedals for Progress) program which provides bicycles to a variety of underdeveloped countries. The people in these countries either use these bicycles for transportation, or turn them into other usable implements -- including a drill press.

The students are planning a bike collection day on Saturday, May 12, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church parking lot, from 9 a.m. to noon. Virtually any bike in any condition can be used, the students said. The bikes will be repaired and then delivered to one of many countries. The students will also ask for a donation of $10 from those who donate bikes to help cover the cost of shipping. A bake sale will also help raise funds.

For more information, contact Mr. Upmeyer at the VSHS.