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Interviews with purpose-driven leaders who are helping others and making a positive impact in the world.

INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to purpose-driven organizations and passionate leaders and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their communities and industries.

 


Stacey YoungStacey Young is the business development manager for Wish for Wheels. Follow them on Facebook and learn more about Wish for Wheels at www.wishforwheels.org.

 

WHAT DO YOU DO?
Wish for Wheels gives bikes and helmets to K-2nd grade students in low-income, Title 1 schools. We partner with local companies to fund, build, and personally deliver the bikes to students in need!

 

WHY DO YOU DO IT?
We all remember our first bike, and it is our mission to make sure that is a memory no child has to live without. A bike, while it may seem like a simple gift, can truly change the way a family or community functions. We want to get children interested in cycling at a young age, as well as provide the independence to get to school when parents or guardians are working odd hours. Of course the smiles on not only the children’s faces, but also the donors faces are an amazing added bonus!

 

WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We are changing the way a community functions. Bikes provide independence, and an alternate activity to video games. Though the gift may seem small to most of us, to these children it is a message that their community cares and wants to see them succeed. Also, often times people making the charitable donations do not get to see their contribution pay off. With Wish for Wheels the impact is seen immediately through the one on one interaction between the donor and recipient.

 

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
The children. These students already have enough on their plates. They shouldn’t have to worry about how to get to school in the morning. Also, every kid deserves a fun toy! We want to show these students that people care and people want them to experience pure joy like any other child.

 

WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Our big dream is to be able to deliver bikes to all Title 1 schools across the United States. We want to be a household name in putting smiles on faces.

 

WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
To make these dreams come true, we need the tools to spread our message across the U.S. Whether this is through Facebook, news stories/articles, TV or print advertisements. We also need companies that will continue to partner with us in our goal to change kids’ lives!

 

WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Developing more partners to Fund, Build and Give bikes. As a small nonprofit getting our word out to companies/organizations that want to participate in our program has been the biggest challenge.

 

WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Focus on the main mission and do not get sidetracked with other programs or other ideas. Stay true to the one thing that is your goal.

 

HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
There are several ways people can support the cause. People can donate through our website, they can get their company involved in a Build/Give event, they can join the Wish for Wheels Cycling Club, or they can simply spread our message!