Shifting Gears program continues partnership with American Legion

The partnership that has been forged between the Greencastle American Legion Post 58 and the Putnamville Correctional Facility is one that is a shining example of putting service before self.

Continuing the “Shifting Gears” program which is a partnership between Bicycle Garage Indy, Nine13sports and the correctional facility, the American Legion received more than 20 bikes that will be distributed to kids in the Greencastle community.

Making the donation on behalf of the correctional facility were Darren Anderson and Sarah Capps.

“Bicycle Garage Indy collects used bicycles throughout the community and supply us with any parts we need along with the bicycles,” Anderson said of the program. “The offenders that are part of our program are the ones who refurbish them and make them look new again. There’s a form on Bicycle Garage Indy’s website that organizations fill out and request up to 25 bikes. It’s a really great program to be a part of for everyone involved.”

The Shifting Gears program has been helping out communities since 2011 with Anderson being involved since 2020.

Capps who is the community engagement coordinator with the Putnamville Correctional Facility talked about getting the necessary volunteers and people to make the programs run.

“My job is to really let people know about events like this that are happening in our community,” she said. “The other part is to reach out to organizations like Nine13Sports to make sure that we can do these great events. I work with around 120 volunteers and this is just one of the wonderful programs that I get to be a part of. Mr. (Darren) Anderson does a wonderful job. The fact that our facility can make an impact in our communities like this is absolutely wonderful.”

With the help of great organizations and programs like these, the Greencastle streets will continue to see happy children riding around on bikes and enjoy being a kid.