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7Everyday Hero Howard Bagdad leads the Golden Optimists Bicycle Recyle Club

Volunteer provides a Golden bike opportunity
Posted at 7:51 AM, Dec 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-19 10:09:32-05
DENVER -- For a child, there is nothing quite like getting a bicycle for Christmas. 
 
Kids of all ages enjoy bicycles, year round thanks to 7Everyday Hero Howard Bagdad.
 
He is the president of the Golden Optimists Club. And he oversees the club's signature project:
 
"The Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle Club," said Bagdad. 
 
The club repairs donated bikes that come from all over.
 
"From the City of Lakewood, the City of Golden, and the City of Arvada donate bikes to us," said Bagdad. 
 
Countless individuals and bike shops also donate gently used bicycles. Once the bikes are cleaned and tuned-up, they are either given away or offered for a nominal fee. 
 
Adult bicycles are just $20, children's bikes only $10, and if someone cannot afford that, then the club usually provides the bicycle free of charge. 
 
"For some people it's the only wheels they have," said Bagdad. 
 
"A lot of School of Mines international students got our bikes and really appreciated it," said Ted Rains, the program founder. 
 
The group turns out more than 400 bicycles each year. They work out of a portable building provided by the Jeffco School District.
 
It's right next to the Connections Learning Center in Golden. In fact, students from the center now help the volunteers work on the bikes. 
 
"I'm gonna' teach them as much as they can learn," said Bagdad
 
By joining forces the club can not only provide more bikes, but the students get a hands-on lesson in responsibility and giving back to the community. 
 
"This will teach them to learn how to fix their own bicycles as well as bicycles for the community," said Alan Morawiec, Industrial Arts Teacher, Connections Learning Center. 
 
The Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle Club is an effort where everyone wins, including the outstanding volunteers like Howard Bagdad who put in so many hours to make it successful.
 
"Well, I am retired and this gives me some meaning for my life. It feels good," said Bagdad. 
 
To learn more about the effort go to www.goldenoptimists.com 
 
Mitch Jelniker anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on 7NEWS. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here.

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