TurningWheels for Kids

Infobox Non-profit
Non-profit_name = TurningWheels for Kids
Non-profit_
Non-profit_type = 501(c)3
founded_date = June 2005
founder = Susan Runsvold
location = San Jose, California
origins =
key_people = Susan Runsvold, Derek Lemberger, Donna Matney, Dave Rodrigues, Deborah Lemberger, Jeff Burnham, Nancy Huff, John O’Brien, Jack France, Sarah Holcomb, Elaine Elkin
area_served = Santa Clara County
focus = Children
Non-profit_slogan = THE KIDS ARE WORTH IT!
homepage = http://www.turningwheelsforkids.org/

TurningWheels For Kids is a program run by volunteers to raise funds, purchase and assemble bicycles for needy children at the holidays and to health challenged children year round. The program was founded in 2005 by Susan Runsvold.

History

In December 2003, Susan Runsvold, a Valley Medical Center nurse in Santa Clara Valley, CA made a decision to enlist the help of her friends and colleagues in order to collect money and purchase bikes for gifts to underprivileged children during the holiday season. Twelve bikes were purchased and provided to the San Jose Fire Dept. for their annual toy drive and festivities. The following year, starting a bit earlier, enough money was collected to provide 40 bikes to this same group. At the end of that season, a handful of people who had learned about and/or participated in this project, asked to be included the following year. As Susan percolated over the possibilities, she believed the potential was far greater; more children could be served, with a group working together to make this happen rather than her simple efforts. Ten very committed people agreed to join her in 2005. Mid 2005, after a conversation with the Valley Medical Center (VMC) Foundation Director, Chris Wilder, it was determined that this endeavor fit perfectly with the mission of the VMC Foundation, that we were serving the same children they served and that it would be most prudent to come under the auspices of the VMC Foundation. That was when TurningWheels For Kids was born.

In June 2005, with this group of 10 individuals, our efforts began. A needs survey was conducted and we quickly learned that there was far more need than our six months of work would be able to supply. Still, believing in the cause, knowing the value of a bike to a child, we set a lofty goal of 400 bikes ~ ten times the previous years effort. That was a fun, exciting and interesting year with donations anywhere from $1, to what we considered a very large donation, $100! Four hundred fifty two bikes were purchased, 452 helmets were donated by Valley Health Plan and 452 children received a gift of great love through the efforts of 10 very committed individuals. Receiving agencies included SJFD, Kidango, Bay Area Rescue Mission and San Jose Family Alternative Housing who managed the distribution of these bikes.

This past year, 2006, a momentum took hold. Donations became larger with corporations such as eBay, Heritage Bank and Wells Fargo making significant donations (as much as 5K). Jet Blue, Raleigh Bikes, Park Tools, Fox Racing Shox, Team San Jose, Togos, Starbucks and Smythe European all pitched to help with various needs. The San Francisco 49ers contacted us to figure out a way they could help with this community project. They, along with Morgan Stanley’s Bike Team and Specialized Bikes, funded and built 49 bikes for 49 kids that were distributed that same night to 49 children at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. Soon enough our annual Bike Build was held and 400 community volunteers gave up a Saturday right before Christmas to help TurningWheels For Kids build 1030 bikes! That day various children’s charities, Sacred Heart, Kidango, CityTeam Ministries, EMQ, SJFD, Santa Clara Fire Department, Bay Area Rescue Mission, San Jose Family Alternative Housing, Silicon Valley Child Advocates and Pioneer High School all came to get their bikes. And once again, the mission was accomplished and 1030 children experienced the delight of a sparkly new bike!

Each of the people involved in this activity are high energy, goal driven, community members. Our board consists of 3 RNs at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), 1 Director of Security at SCVMC, 3 business owners, 3 corporate employees, and a full time mom (the busiest of us all!). Each member is completely committed to the program as evidenced by their tireless contributions of services and time. For example, Jeff Burnham, owner of Chaselitho and Printing, prints and donates all paper goods needed at great cost to him. Dave Rodrigues, owner of A&A Auto, manages all bike procurement and the annual assembly day, a project that requires hours of outside work time. Derek Lemberger, webmaster, manages and donates all the time required to maintain the website. Every member provides money and time to manage the various costs and activities associated with this project so that the money donated can be used to purchase bikes, helmets and locks as needed.

Partners

San Francisco 49ers
The San Jose Stealth

EBay

Specialized Bicycles

Wells Fargo

NVIDIA
Fox Racing Shox

Cisco Systems

Agilent Technologies

The Boy Scouts of America
The Kiwanis Club
Almaden Cycling Touring Club

Morgan Stanley
Smythe European
The Santa Clara Fire Department
Sharkie from the San Jose Sharks