Volunteer-powered program has diverted more than 31,000 bicycles from landfills while raising over $2 million to support local youth
What if doing something good for the planet could also change a child’s future? That’s exactly what happens every day at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange, where a team of dedicated volunteers transforms unwanted bicycles into opportunities for local youth.
Now, that effort has earned statewide recognition. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has honored the Bike Exchange with its Outstanding Achievement in Recycling Award, applauding the program’s success in diverting more than 31,000 bicycles from landfills while raising over $2 million to support young people in Trenton, Ewing and Lawrence Township.
Founded in 2009 by cycling enthusiast Russ White, the Bike Exchange began as a simple idea: find a second life for used bikes and put the proceeds toward a good cause. What started in a donated warehouse has evolved into a thriving community enterprise powered by roughly 50 volunteers who collect, repair, and sell nearly 1,800 refurbished bikes each year at affordable prices.
“This recognition from NJDEP is a meaningful bonus that complements our primary mission,” said Ira Saltiel, longtime volunteer leader of the Bike Exchange. “Our core focus has always been raising funds for the Boys & Girls Club while making affordable bicycles available to the Trenton community. The award highlights an added benefit of our work—our positive impact on sustainability in addition to our charitable goals.”
Saltiel, who joined the program after retiring in 2013, credits its origins to founder Russ White’s creativity and the volunteers’ shared passion for cycling and community service. “We never imagined how far this would grow,” he said. “To date, we’ve sold or donated more than 31,000 bicycles and contributed over $2 million to support the Club’s mission. It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re helping both the environment and local kids.”
Reggie Coleman, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County, expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ years of dedication:
“The Bike Exchange team shows what’s possible when people come together to make a difference. They’ve turned something as simple as an old bike into a way to fund afterschool programs, summer jobs, STEM programs and college readiness opportunities for our kids. Their impact—over $2 million raised—is just incredible, and we’re so thankful for their commitment to both our Club and our community.”
Since the pandemic years, the Bike Exchange has more than doubled in size and continues to grow each year, fueled by a rising interest in sustainability and cycling. Each bike repaired means one less item in a landfill—and one more child gaining access to high-quality programming that builds confidence, leadership, and career readiness.
“The future of this partnership looks incredibly bright,” added Saltiel. “Volunteer participation keeps growing, and community demand for affordable, reliable bikes has never been higher. With that momentum, we can expand our reach and our impact—both environmentally and socially.”
The Bike Exchange accepts donations of used bicycles in any condition, which volunteers refurbish and resell. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating a bike can learn more at www.bgcmercer.org/bikeexchange
Donate a Bike
Got a bike you no longer use? Turn it into an opportunity for local youth! The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange accepts bicycles in any condition—our volunteers can refurbish, repair, and resell them to support afterschool and summer programs for young people.
Drop-off Location:
Boys & Girls Club Bike Exchange
Capitol Plaza Shopping Center
1500 N. Olden Avenue, Ewing, NJ