about

TRUE HOPE

We all know that any child that has mounted a bike for the first time has experienced fear, but when they brave their way through and peddle on, the rewards of freedom are overwhelming! While learning to ride a bike takes time and can be riddled with bruises and crashes, it’s always worth it in the end. 

In a small way, every bike delivered brings the lesson of perseverance through difficulties and reminds each student and family that they are not alone. Which is why, in addition to a new bike and helmet, we provide a Gospel of John and share the reason we bring new bikes-the Hope found in Christ: Wheels for Hope!

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our HOPE

In the wake of every disaster there are children who are trying to pick up the pieces.  These families often have lost their homes, their clothes, and all to often so much  more. Our hope is for families to draw closer to each other and to God.  (Psalms 25:5)

REAL LOVE

We feel led to give to children and families in need of and share His love with each and every one of them.  We give each child a new bike out of love for them.  We want them to know that we love because God first loved us. ( 1 John 4:19)

 

NEW LIFE

We hope that by sharing the Gospel that these children learn that Jesus is the only one we can truly depend on to save us.  God wants all to come to know Him and to be born again.  We want the same thing and rejoice with those who receive Him as Savior. (2 Peter 3:9)

WHERE WE BEGAN

OUR HOPE FILLED JOURNEY

 

Wheels for Hope was established after Texas was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. While the adults were focused on providing the essentials: shelter, power and supplies, Wheels for Hope gifted over 1,000 new bicycles to public-school students in 16 schools! The following year we distributed almost 400 new bicycles and helmets to public-school students in North Carolina after a hurricane disrupted the community and damaged the school. Then we travelled to West Virginia to adopt an entire school with every public-school student receiving a new bicycle and helmet. This last trip was during the pandemic when families were struggling financially, spiritually, emotionally, educationally, and physically, and the impact that was made inspired us to continue the annual tradition!
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Each year we prayerfully choose a location where, for some reason, students have obstacles, and gift a child in need with a new bike and helmet!

The spring of 2022, we will be adopting the Salem Virginia campus of HopeTree Family Services, we are excited about the demographic! The students attending the HopeTree Academy come from every surrounding public-school district-Bedford, Salem, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Botetourt, so we can reach further through one school than ever before: https://hopetreefs.org/

In 1992 our Founding Pastor’s family (Tom and Laurie McCracken) was stationed on the island of Guam when Super Typhoon Omar hit. Winds with gusts over 200 mph left over 2,000 homes devastated and caused about 500 million in damage. They were personally left without power and water for months. With two small children in the home, extras and presents for the kids were not a priority, rebuilding the islands infrastructure was.

 

GREAT HARDSHIPS CAN OFTEN KEEP KIDS FROM BEING KIDS . . .

We want to continue to change that  . . .

 

true LASTING IMPACT

The McCracken’s saw a population feeling isolated and alone with no help in sight. That is one reason Pastor Tom launched Wheels for Hope and continues to spearhead the vision, he wants to be that help bringing hope and reminding everyone struggling in similar situations, they are not alone! A simple gift of a bicycle affects the entire family; it relieves financial strain from the parents who want to bless their children but can’t, and the kids who receive tangible hope during their storm.

In addition, our current model connects each student with a local congregation of believers who can continue to engage and minster to the entire family throughout the year!

thank you

YOU HELP US BRING HOPE

TO MORE THAN JUST THE KIDS

 

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