Community Cycling Center saved by 'generous' donations from the public

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The new executive director of a non-profit bike shop is thanking the community after "generous" donations saved them from the brink of closure.

In September, organizers of the Community Cycling Center on Northeast Alberta Street asked the public for donations as a stop-gap to cover debts while they were waiting for grants to come through months later.

CCC Executive Director Ruben Alvarado, who stepped in as the non-profit's leader a few months ago, said they've now secured their future and smashed fundraising goals during their make-or-break campaign to keep the doors open.

"We definitely have been stressed, our team has felt the pinch," Alvarado said. "We didn't know if we were gonna overcome…but we chose hope."

That hope has paid off.

The CCC needed about $350,000 to survive and continue offering bike repairs, education and giveaways to community members.

"What I've learned about community is, you ask for help and the community will help you," Alvarado said.

The executive director said not only did over 1,000 community members chip in to raise $380,000 but a private donor dropped another $100,000 on top of that.

Alvarado said they're working to stretch their resources responsibly to ensure long-term stability.

"We've really had to make a lot of changes so that we don't just burn through those funds," he said.

Alvarado said the CCC has slashed a half million dollars in expenses, streamlined operations and is now set to accelerate the growth of its key community programs.

"The Portland community has shown me how generous they are not just with their wallets but there's people here helping us take photos of the bikes. There's so many volunteers here who just want to give, who just want to serve," Alvarado said.

Since opening its doors in 1994, the Community Cycling Center has given away 15,000 bikes. Information about their programs and how to donate can be found on CCC's website.