THE ISLANDER (Sanibel Island, Florida)

January 25, 2010

Sanibelians collect used bicycles for Immokalee farm worker families

by TOM SHARBAUGH

Concerned citizens of Sanibel are once again mounting a campaign to collect used bicycles for needy farm worker families in Immokalee. This is the second year for the bike collection campaign on Sanibel.

The farm worker community in Immokalee is one of the poorest in the country, and living conditions are very difficult for most of the families there. A recent documentary series on public broadcasting station WGCU demonstrated this in dramatic fashion. Immokalee residents have many needs, from clothing to basic household goods, and prominent among the items they need are bicycles, which they use for basic transportation. The level of poverty is such that cars are an unaffordable luxury and even buying a new bike is difficult.

Several groups are involved in the Sanibel effort, including The Sanibel Bicycle Club and Billy's Rentals, who will be facilitating collection of the bikes, and Soon Come Contract Hauling, who will be warehousing the collected bikes prior to deliver to Immokalee. Point persons for the Sanibel effort are Patti Sousa for the Sanibel Bicycle Club, Billy Kirkland for Billy's Rentals and Annie Nachtheim for Soon Come.

Distribution of the bicycles in Immokalee will be handled by Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), a non-sectarian, non-profit group providing child care and early education for children of migrant farm workers and rural low-income families throughout Florida. RCMA is a United Way affiliated organization and also receives financial support from agri-businesses, community foundations and contributions from individuals. Sanibel resident Ellis Robinson serves on the Board of RCMA.