Lutheran Services seeks bicycles for adult riders

Date: 8/23/2011

Aug. 24, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Getting to the market, or to work, can be difficult for individuals new to America who are unfamiliar with the language and unable to get a driver’s license.

“It takes them about four to five months to study well for a [learner’s] permit, “ Mohammed Najeeb, program coordinator for Lutheran Social Services of New England (LSS of N.E.), said of the diverse population his organization serves. “What we need are transportation methods for them to go back and forth.”

His organization’s solution is to provide individuals with bicycles as a means to get where they need to go. LSS of N.E. serves Butonese, Somalis, Iraqis and individuals from countries that were part of the former Soviet Union.

To fill a growing need for bicycles — Najeeb has a waiting list of 24 people — LSS is hosting an ongoing collection of adult-size cycles, as well as a collection of children’s bicycles and helmets. Bikes can be dropped off at the LSS offices, 593 Main St., Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Najeeb said individuals who have bikes to donate, but cannot deliver them to the LSS offices, can contact him at 787-0725 or e-mail him at mnajeeb@lssne.org to arrange for the items to be picked up.

LSS also operates an ongoing collection of household items and furniture to assist individuals and families new to this country with resettlement needs. Please contact LSS at the number above for more information about making donations to these collections.

Debbie Gardner can be reached by e-mail at debbieg@thereminder.com