WOW (Workers on Wheels) volunteer Lynn Wright inspects one of the approximately 60 bikes available for the international workers that visit Cook County each year. The WOW program, in its fifth year, gives visiting workers transportation during their stay and gives WOW volunteers the chance to get to know some of the guest workers.
Fall is in the air. School has started and many of the international workers that visit the North Shore each summer are heading home. As they say goodbye, they are stopping by the First Congregational Church/United Church of Christ to return the bikes lent to them by the WOW (workers on wheels) program.
The WOW program started five years ago as part of the church’s outreach program. WOW worker Dan Strayer reports that 2014 has been a very active “season” for the WOW bikes project. Nearly 50 “cycles” were distributed to interested international workers, he said, explaining how the program works.
International workers come to the “Congo” church, deposit $40, and take possession of a bike to use until they leave Cook County. WOW workers help the international visitors with bike repairs if needed.
Strayer said that interaction with visiting workers is priceless. “It’s an uplifting experience to meet with the international workers and extend our concern and friendship towards their wellbeing. We offer not only mobility and possible bike maintenance and repairs, but a helping and responsive ‘hand’ for some of their needs.”
The project has grown from less than a dozen loaned bikes, to approximately 60. “Who would have thought the magnitude of the program would be this extensive?” asked a delighted Strayer.
He added, “Possibly the most significant aspects of WOW have been the continued bike contributions by the local residents and businesses; the offer by Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply to store the bikes; the smiles from our church membership as they realize the outreach accomplished, and a ‘help/help’ relationship with a similar program in Thunder Bay.”
Not to mention, said Strayer, “The ‘shoe leather’ saved for our international workers!”
Strayer said the support of the First Congregational Church/UCC and the community is necessary and appreciated. “Keep the donated bikes and financial support coming. Incidentally, anyone wanting to learn and practice ecumenical bike repair, observe an international smile and become a part of this project is encouraged to join us,” he said.
To learn more about the WOW project, call the church office at (218) 387- 2113.
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