Earnhardt provides site for bicycle donations to benefit St. Vincent de Paul

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Earnhart provides site for bicycle donations to benefit St. Vincent de Paul

Earnhardt Auto Centers is partnering with ABC 15 and St. Vincent de Paul to collect gently used bicycles for needy individuals for the 2023 2nd Chance Bike Drive. Drop off your second-hand bike at any Earnhardt location on Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A bicycle can provide independence and freedom. It improves access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and physical and mental health. Your spare bike can make a world of difference to an individual, giving them a chance to go to work, the store, or school. Bring your used, workable bicycle to any of the 17 Earnhardt Auto Centers locations around the Valley on September 23. Volunteers will collect and repair the donated bikes for distribution.

If you don’t have a bike to give, your financial donation can also benefit this drive. Just $40 helps repair a used bicycle with new tubes, tires, handles, and more. All donations support St. Vincent de Paul’s Bike Shop to provide used bikes, helmets, and related supplies to help low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Financial donations will be accepted anytime between September 1-30. Donate online here. All donations will be matched, up to $10,000 thanks to Rafi Law Group and the M3F Festival.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing, and healing individuals and families in the community who have nowhere else to turn for help, according to their website. St. Vincent de Paul has served the communities in central and northern Arizona since 1946. Services include medical and dental care for uninsured patients, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, homeless shelters, and other assistance for people living in poverty.

Established in 1951, Earnhardt Auto Centers has a long history in Arizona. Founder Tex Earnhardt started the company with one Ford dealership in Chandler, and it evolved into what it is today: 17 dealerships around the Valley representing 15 brands. Earnhardt employees serve the community in many ways, including payroll deductions to benefit different local charities, serving at local events, and assisting with local benefit events like the 2nd Chance Bike Drive.

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.