With wrenches and ratchets in tow, more than 100 volunteer elves will descend upon Pine Street Carpenters’ workshop in West Goshen on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Their task?

To assemble 100 bicycles in just a few hours.

History shows they are up to the task, as this is Pine Street’s 9th annual “100 Wheels Project.” Over the years, these elves have built 637 bikes for deserving children in the community.

Each December since 2008, Pine Street Carpenters has partnered with local social service agencies and nonprofit organizations to identify families and children in need. Bicycles are purchased for each child identified and, once assembled, delivered to the local organizations.

Some organizations distribute the bikes at holiday parties; others work with parents to make sure a shiny new bike makes its way next to the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

This year, Pine Street will be working with 10 nonprofit agencies throughout the region, the largest number since the 100 Wheels Project was established. These organizations include:

• Family Services of Chester County (West Chester)
• Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children (West Chester)
• Saint Agnes Day Room (West Chester)
• The Care Center (West Chester)
• Chester County Family Academy (West Chester)
• La Comunidad Hispana (Kennett Square)
• Family Services of Montgomery County (Norristown)
• Stewart Middle School (Norristown)
• Home of the Sparrow (Exton)
• Delaware County Children and Youth Services (Upper Darby)

Alissa McBride, Community Prevention Coordinator for Family Services of Montgomery County and a 100 Wheels Project partner for several years, spoke of both the need for the project and the impact the program has on the community.

“Most people are unaware that there are children living in poverty in very close proximity to them,” McBride said. “These kids have a difficult time all year round, but the Christmas season is especially hard for them. The TV, radio, and Internet tell them that this is the most wonderful time of the year and that Santa Claus is coming to town, but their life experiences do not reflect that.

“The 100 Wheels Project gives many of these children a joyful Christmas that they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.”

Another program partner, Margie Glah, Program Assistant for Family Services of Chester County, echoed McBride’s comments.

“I can’t tell you how excited the parents are,” said Glah. “A number of these kids have never owned a bike and probably never would have if not for this program.”

Bikes, helmets, and bike locks will also be donated to accompany many of the bicycles. Through a grant provided by the Kids Injury Prevention Program at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 70 helmets were provided for this year’s 100 Wheels Project. Additional helmets will be donated by individuals and friends of Pine Street.

The success of Pine Street’s bike-build hinges not only on its nonprofit partners, but also on friends, Pine Street clients, and industry partners. Many local businesses contribute to the success of the 100 Wheels Project by sponsoring a bike. Local partners this year include:

• Brothers Pizza
• Mop-Ups Cleaning Services
• Allen Cook’s Barber Shop
• Edward Jones
• Mar-John Masonry
• Harmony Heating
• Ronal Festermacher
• Trevdan Building Supply

“It truly is a community event,” said Michael Dolan, Marketing Manager for Pine Street Carpenters. “By partnering with social service agencies and bridging the needs of deserving families with the resources of our friends and those in the business community, we will be able to reach over 100 families this year.

“It is important that these families know that they are not forgotten – that they are important – and a shiny new bike is a fun way to do just that.”

This year’s bike-build will be held from 5-9 PM at Pine Street Carpenters, located at 901 South Bolmar Street, Suite N, in West Chester. Registration is required. To learn how you can support The 100 Wheels Project, visit http://www.bikebuild.org/ or call 610-430-3333.