Nearly 200 Donated Bicycles Delivered Across Monroe County This Year

On January 2, 2026, nearly 200 donated bicycles were distributed to children in need across Monroe County through a coordinated effort led by local businesses, first responders, faith organizations and nonprofit partners. The distribution is part of a continuing initiative begun several years ago by Gary Centonze of Gary’s Plumbing and Fire to channel donations through trusted community networks.

Centonze established the program to marshal resources from Rotary clubs, fire and police departments, churches and charitable groups so that donations reached families directly and efficiently. “We’ve always had this collaboration,” Centonze said. “When businesses, first responders, and community organizations work together, the impact is much greater than any one group could achieve alone.”

WeCycle, a local bike shop owned by Evan Haskell, has been a key operational partner by donating bicycles, sourcing others at wholesale cost, and assembling and delivering bikes to recipients. “This has always been about getting more kids on bikes,” Haskell said. “The real work is done by the organizations that know the families and make the connections.”

This year’s distributions were coordinated through multiple local organizations, including Southernmost Baptist Church, the Monroe County firefighters union, the SOS Foundation in coordination with the Key West Fire Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Presents in Paradise with support from Monroe County Fire Rescue. Those partner organizations handled outreach and direct distribution, relying on the established trust they have with community members.

The program has delivered sustained impact. Over the past few years, roughly 600 bicycles have been donated or partially funded through Gary’s Plumbing and Fire and WeCycle in partnership with local organizations, extending access to recreation, basic transportation and childhood exercise opportunities for families across the county.

Beyond immediate benefits to recipients, the initiative illustrates how local institutions can collaborate to address needs that fall outside formal government programs. For residents, the effort reduces barriers to access by leveraging trusted neighborhood networks for identification and delivery of aid. For policymakers, it raises questions about how county resources might complement volunteer-led work through logistical support, small grants, or storage and distribution infrastructure to increase reach and sustainability.

As Monroe County communities consider ways to strengthen supports for children and families, the bicycle program provides a working model of cross-sector civic engagement while underscoring the continuing role of local organizations in filling service gaps and promoting equitable access to basic goods.