LOOK members are reaching out to give homeless a chance at employment through bicycle donations.

By Agnes CONSTANTE

With a goal to improve the downtown Los Angeles community, a group of high school students has pioneered a fundraising event to obtain 100 bicycles as a means of transportation for homeless people on Skid Row.

Students involved in this effort are part of a network organization, LOOK, and come from Crescenta Valley High School, La Cañada High School, Glendale High School and South Pasadena High School. The basic goal of the group is to help those in need.

“Instead of giving humanitarian supplies like food, clothing, shelter … which would actually keep [the homeless on Skid Row], we’re trying to give bikes,” Peter Lee, a student at Crescenta Valley High School and president of LOOK, said. “It would be a symbol to leave Skid Row and would also give them a source of transportation.”

LOOK aims to collect the bikes, which, members hope, will help 100 homeless people find jobs.

The group regularly conducts community service at Skid Row on Sundays, and by talking to those who live in the area, LOOK participants found transportation a necessity they could provide to the homeless.

The organization is also coordinating with local businesses within a five- to 10-mile radius of Skid Row to provide jobs to those who will receive bikes.

LOOK is seeking bicycle donations, whether old or new. It is also accepting bike parts, broken bicycles and monetary donations until Sept. 2.

Group members plan on distributing the bicycles at Gladys Park in early September.

“We want to change the world, all 30 of us, and change starts with … our community,” Lee said.

“I hope that other people see that not only can adults make change, but also high school students,” Rabbi Ko, vice president of the organization, said.

Anyone interested in donating bicycles, whether old or new, can directly contact the presidents of the organization via phone or email.

The organization will also accept donations in front of Vons and Ralphs markets on Foothill Boulevard every Saturday from 9 a.m.

For further information, including making a donation, the contact for Crescenta Valley High School is Peter Lee, 1994leepeter@gmail.com or call (818) 808-9905; Ashlyn Adelman at ashlyn.adelman@gmail.com or call (818) 263-1550.

At Glendale High School, the contact is Rabbi Ko at rabbi.ko12@gmail.com or call (213) 884-7513.

At La Cañada High School, the contacts are Joseph Song at josephmsong@gmail.com or call (818) 590-5634; Emily Shin at dobbyforyou@hotmail.com or call (213) 272-9004.

At South Pasadena High School, the contact is Jason Sim at  jworld63@yahoo.com or call (626) 660-4509.

  AGNES CONSTANTE