Bikes for Oak Grove Elementary School, a project that provides bicycles for students and promotes commuting to and from school, was awarded a $1000 RABA Grant. It is spearheaded by Bob Argabright with the help of Charlie Thomas, The project is supported by three organizations that work with the Oak Grove Elementary School: The Micah Initiative, Communities in Schools, and Trinity United Methodist Church.
Bob Argabright has been volunteering in these programs for 12 years to enhance opportunities for the students at Oak Grove Elementary School. This year, Argabright is working to make this school district walk- and bike-friendly, to increase the sense of community, and to eliminate school busses in the district, saving money for Richmond Public Schools.
From May to September of this year, the project goals are to place 60 bikes in the Oak Grove Elementary School District to provide transportation to and from school, recreation, and responsibility by earning and caring for the bikes. In addition, the project will procure needed replacement parts, helmets and locks. This effort will be coordinated with other programs at Oak Grove Elementary School to improve the outcome of children from an area with high poverty and related issues. Specific goals are to teach recipients responsibility by caring for their bikes and using them for transportation to school. Students with bikes will also be able to participate in related recreational activities.
–Ron Corio