Support BikeAthens with your Workplace Deduction!

The 2006-2007 campaign for the State Charitable Contributions Program has begun for many state agencies such as UGA. BikeAthens is a member of Georgia Shares, a workplace giving federation of 33 progressive non-profit organizations whose missions are committed to helping provide social and economic justice for underserved members of the community, and we are a participant in the State Charitable Contributions Program. Through innovative use of volunteer efforts and keeping paid positions and salaries to a minimum, Georgia Shares prides itself on giving a significantly larger portion of the total funds donated (85%) directly to the agencies that serve these constituencies.

We have seen many advancements for alternative transportation in Athens Clark County (ACC) during this past year, including the implementation of bike lanes for key roads that will increase connectivity for bike commuters, and installation of pedestrian crosswalks at heavily traveled intersections. For the UGA and ACC communities, BikeAthens continues to be the source for information on use patterns and needs of bicycle commuters, and important transit, bicycle, and pedestrian issues in Athens.

In addition, BikeAthens has begun a number of programs to enhance mobility of citizens who lack dependable transportation. This past year, with the help of the Athens Area Homeless Shelter and Catholic Social Services, the BikeAthens Bike Recycling Program provided 15 bikes to local residents in need of reliable transportation, enabling access to jobs and community resources. BikeAthens, in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club, also began a Kid's Bike Recycling Program, which provides bikes to local children and helps teach them basic bike maintenance. There are a number of other programs we feel would benefit the community that we would like to implement over the next year.

When considering participating in this year's charitable giving campaign, we hope you will consider including BikeAthens (#194064 in UGA program) as one of your choices so that we may continue to help further alternative transportation options and encourage improved public health for all citizens of Athens. This is a difficult year for many who rely on nonprofit agencies for services, so we are especially grateful for your help. Anything you pledge will get deducted from your paycheck starting in January.

* Note* When choosing where to direct your tax-deductible donations, there is an option to choose the larger heading of Georgia Shares, which will then be split up among the 34 non-profit agencies comprising Georgia Shares. To do so, select identification number 194000. If you wish to direct your entire donation to BikeAthens, specify our unique identification number (194064 BikeAthens for UGA employees).

Thank you for your support.