NORFOLK, Va.— If you’re looking to give back for the holidays, the perfect gift for someone in need might just be sitting in your garage.
Bob Johnson looks everywhere for bicycles and parts. He’s not afraid to dumpster dive for someone in need.
“There’s going to be more people than ever that desperately need to rebuild, and they’re going to need a helping hand,” said Johnson.
He started 757 Bike Mission last year with the goal of helping the community to get to work or wherever else they need to go.
Johnson puts his handiwork to good use to fix up broken bikes out of his Norfolk garage. They go to charities to distribute to people in need.
“They’re all looking to restart and trying to regain employment, trying to come back from homelessness," he explained.
News 3 spoke to Johnson in October. Since our story aired, donations picked up and they were able to give away around 30 bikes, but the need has no end in sight.
“There’s great demand; we can’t keep up with it,” said Johnson.
What someone else sees as damaged goods just needs the right amount of TLC to take on a new life.
Johnson says working bikes are great, but he can use the parts on broken bikes, too. He’ll even take kids' bikes. He says many of those parts can be put to good use.
“People have to have a bike to get around - access shelter, access food, get to places where they can apply for a job,” said Johnson.
He’s asking for people to look in their garage to see if they can help someone get on the path to a fresh start just in time for the new year.
Anyone who can make a donation can reach Johnson on the 757 Bike Mission Facebook page.
