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Volunteer teaches kids how to build, repair bicycles
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Karl McKinney
Tribune
Karl McKinney has helped shape the lives of many young Scottsdale residents, sharing his mechanical skills and time at a city bike shop.
Volunteering is the hub of McKinney’s life. He spends five days a week with Handlebar Helpers, a city program that reconditions bicycles at the Paiute Neighborhood Center, 6535 E. Osborn Road.
McKinney, 65, teaches teenagers how to build and repair and build bicycles, using donated bikes and supplies.
“We provide the parts, tools, bikes and knowledge,” he said.
McKinney and his young apprentices assemble bikes from top to bottom. After the kids put in 20 hours of work, they are awarded one of the bicycles they have assembled. They’re encouraged to ride the bikes to school and work. Once the kids turn 18, they can become adult volunteers.
“I just need to volunteer and give back to the world,” McKinney said. “Everyone gives money these days, but someone needs to give the time.”
McKinney always works with a smile on his face, said Scottsdale Community Center employee Terry Erickson. “He doesn’t speak Spanish like most the kids do, so he teaches by example,” he said.
McKinney has lived in Scottsdale on and off for 30 years. Most recently, he returned from Florida, where he had relocated to assist his mother through a medical emergency. Once back in Scottsdale, he found Handlebar Helpers and has been active in the program for two years.
“Every time I stop by, he is there helping the kids,” Erickson said.
The time is well spent, McKinney said.
“Once you are retired, you can sit around and play golf or give back to your community,” he said.
He has volunteered for various organizations since he retired as a general manager at High Peaks Water Services, a Phoenix-based water treatment company.
When he lived in Florida, he worked at the American Red Cross, and volunteered as relief worker after Hurricane Katrina.
While Erickson credits McKinney for helping Scottsdale’s young residents, McKinney credits the area’s residents who donate bicycles and supplies to Handlebar Helpers.
“I just teach kids how to repair bikes,” he said.
The Scottsdale Tribune is profiling the 2007 Frances Young Community Heroes. The award pays tribute to volunteers whose service benefits Scottsdale residents or organizations.
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