'Bicycle Man' charity hopes for 1,000 bikes by Christmas
ABC11 Together highlights good deeds, community needs and how our viewers can help
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A partnership that spans miles and counties inspired people to donate dozens of bikes in Apex to the Fayetteville-based Bicycle Man charity.
Ann Mathis, widow of the annual Christmas bike giveaway's founder Moses Mathis, told ABC11 on Saturday donations are already pouring in.
"People have been calling and bringing bikes all week! And to have this, for them to do this, they called me, got in touch with me about this and yes, we jumped on it!" Mathis said.
On this day, members and supporters of The Peak ministry made sure Mathis got closer to her goal of 1,000 bikes by Christmas. The Peak operates its own bike rehab and distribution operation for people who need that transportation option.
"This is just one of the ways in which we hope our church can be a blessing to our town and to our community. So we are very, very thankful for anyone who would be willing to participate," said campus pastor Kyle Meier.
Clifford Feather is one of the generous donors.
"I'm not using the bicycle anymore, but primarily to be of assistance to someone else, because Christ commands us to do that," Feather said.
Another donor, Stuart Delony, and his children came through with bikes for the charity.
"It's Thanksgiving! We want to be helping out folks that are in need," said Delony. "And giving a little bit of thanks that we have in our life back to other people."
Janet Depaoli drove all the way from Emerald Isle to Apex with her donation.
"I think that the Bicycle Man is up there and sent some angels down here, to get more and more and more bikes," Depaoli said, smiling. "And you know, there's a lot of angels out there!"
Ann Mathis agrees.
"I just thank everybody! It's just awesome. God has been good."
