Over the holidays, Central New Yorkers stepped up to donate bikes and shoes. Central Current contributor Mike Greenlar captured CNYers generosity during the holiday season.
On the left, Greenlar captured the scene from the Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler, where more than 1600 bikes were given out at the 28th annual CNY Bike Giveaway on Dec. 23. About two dozen volunteers fixed the bikes over the summer and then staffed the winter event. Founder Jan Maloff said “the focus of our program is to supply families with the opportunity to enjoy bike ownership.”
On the right, Ralph Rotella, of Discount Shoe Repair, loads donated shoes to a Rescue Mission truck in front of his store at 114 E. Washington St. in downtown Syracuse. This year’s donation set a new record of 38,841 shoes. In honor of his annual shoe drive, Onondaga County declared December 14 as Ralph Rotella Day. Ralph has been collecting, repairing and donating shoes since 2011.
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