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Trips for Kids

Trips for Kids is a San Francisco Bay Area non-profit that provides mountain bike outings, job-training, and environmental education for youth that would not otherwise be exposed to these types of activities. Our goal is to combine lessons in personal responsibility, achievement, and environmental awareness through the development of practical skills and the simple act of having fun. The Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery program focuses on recycling used bikes and parts, and provides job-training programs for youth. The bikes that the program repairs provide safe, environmentally friendly, and affordable transportation for both children and adults.

Description:
Most of the funds to operate our program come from our Bike Thrift Shop, Re-Cyclery. Possibly the largest of its kind in the country, the Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop is not only a funding mainstay, it is another opportunity to model environmental best practices. Located in San Rafael’s downtown business district, this regional center for affordable and environmentally sound transportation sells an array of bikes, parts, and accessories we receive from individuals, shops, and companies. By accepting donated bikes and parts, refurbishing, and selling them, we give these items a second life rather than being disposed as waste. Shoppers appreciate the good prices and the eclectic selection. Gently worn clothing, shoes, and bike gear is also sold at the Re-Cyclery. Last year over 1,200 bikes were either sold, earned by the kids, or donated to other charities thereby keeping them all out of landfills.

History:
Since 1989, TFK has been taking kids on meaningful daylong mountain bike adventures. In 1994, the program expanded dramatically when it purchased and moved into the building at its current location, began operating a fundraising bicycle thrift shop, and started providing bike mechanic classes for low-income youth. Trips for Kids has taken over 15,800 disadvantaged youth in the Bay Area on mountain bike adventures. Another 2,600 have participated in our earn-a-bike program.

Our distinguished programs and solid reputation have led to numerous awards and media recognition. TFK’s founding director Marilyn Price has received dozens of awards for her leadership and community involvement during the 21 years she’s overseen TFK’s evolution. Most recently, Marilyn received the San Francisco Chronicle’s Jefferson Award and Trips for Kids was awarded the 2008 Heart of Marin Award for our Achievements in Nonprofit Excellence. The Trips for Kids international program was established in 1999 and now there are 66 active TFK chapters across North America and internationally, which serve over 8,500 youth each year. While our “formula” is adopted by all chapters, each locale has its own non-profit status and is financially independent. No money from this grant will be used for our international program.

Contact person: Marilyn Price, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (415) 458-2986

Address:

610 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.tripsforkids.org/marin

Directions:

If coming from the south on Highway 101, you get off the Central San Rafael exit, turn left on 4th and we are second building on the right just under the freeway overpass. If coming from the north on Highway 101, you. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Golden Gate Transit, 3 minute walk

Last updated on August 20, 2010