The gift of a bicycle
Post Falls High School senior Ryder Koch hands Lake City Bicycle Collective, INC Executive Director Tom Morgan a check for $500 which he raised for the nonprofit bike shop operating in the basement of First Baptist Church in Coeur d’Alene. HANNAH NEFF/Press
From left, Tom Morgan, executive director of Lake City Bicycle Collective, INC, and high school senior Ryder Koch chat, surrounded by donated bicycles at the nonprofit operating in the basement of First Baptist Church in Coeur d'Alene. HANNAH NEFF/Press
Lake City Bicycle Collective, INC, a nonprofit bike shop operating in the basement of First Baptist Church in Coeur d’Alene, donates between 100 to 200 free bicycles to kids and families in need each Christmas. HANNAH NEFF/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — In the spirit of Christmas, a Post Falls High School senior donated money from his small business to help get bicycles into the hands of those in need Wednesday.
Ryder Koch said he was looking to make a special donation for the holiday, and raised money through his small videography business started in 2017. The 17-year-old sold Christmas-themed crewnecks he designed including his brand logo, Foggy Llama Films.
He raised $500 to donate to Lake City Bicycle Collective, INC, a nonprofit bike shop operating in the basement of First Baptist Church in Coeur d’Alene.
“This organization just kind of stood out to me because I grew up riding bikes,” Koch said. “I don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t have access to a bike so I just hope that as many people as possible can have that same opportunity.”
Tom Morgan, executive director of the nonprofit, said it costs around $25 to give away a bike, meaning Koch’s donation could supply around 20 bikes.
“Something like this is significant and we appreciate it very much,” Morgan said.
The nonprofit uses the funds for equipment and operating expenses. Morgan said they also sell bikes to pay fees. People can donate bikes or money to buy parts and equipment.
Volunteers then repair donated bicycles if needed and put them in the hands of underprivileged kids and struggling families in the area.
“Our mission is to create the opportunity for anybody that wants to have a bicycle,” Morgan said.
Last year they gave away 178 bikes at Christmas, and about 120 helmets, and this year Morgan said they plan on donating about 130 bikes.
They also do swaps for kids who got a bike when they were younger and need to upgrade to a larger size.
The nonprofit partners with Kootenai Health for helmets, and other organizations like the Boys and Girls Club to identify kids and families in need.
Mostly, Morgan said they just want to get a bike into the hands of kids for Christmas.
The shop will be open from noon to 3 p.m. today.
