Goodwill’s ‘Last Mile to Work’ program seeks donations to meet growing demand | Business

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A free program is getting Kentuckians to work, but it needs donations to meet continued demand.

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky launched the Last Mile to Work program in 2021. People referred by a Goodwill career coach are matched and receive a bicycle, helmet, bike lock, safety vest, Kentucky employment laws bicycle and a brochure on bicycle safety.

George Hill was told about the program by a career coach at Goodwill. Cycling gives Hill more freedom and reduces his daily commute.

“Biking, from here to my house I’m there in about 35 minutes, and on the bus it was about an hour and a half, just waiting for the bus then changing, I had to wait for another bus,” Hill said. “With a bike, I jump straight up and go straight to the house.”

Glenn Todd founded the program based on a need he noticed.

“I’m amazed at how many people need alternative transportation and how much people appreciate having a bike,” Todd said. “So they don’t need to walk that far. Last Mile was born from the idea that the bus will only take you so far. And that last mile you might have to walk, but if you have a bike, you can save a lot of money and time.”

The program has grown to offer more than 300 bikes each year to participants. Todd and his team refurbish donated bikes by going through a maintenance checklist to ensure they are ready to ride.

“I think of a bike like a car,” Todd said. “We have to learn to take care of it.”

Hill received his bike a week after being matched with the program. The program typically matches a person within five days of a referral. Todd said the program puts about 10 bikes a week into a maintenance shop inside the Goodwill Opportunity Center at 909 East Broadway.

But to meet growing demand, Goodwill needs more donations.

“We really rely on donations,” Todd said.

A donation can have a lasting impact on someone who needs help getting to work.

“At the end of the day, this is going to help someone who might really need it,” Hill said. “Some people can’t afford transportation. Through the program, it’s not about helping you afford it, it’s about helping you.”

Last year, the program distributed 308 bikes to people. This year, that number is expected to increase to 350.

Bikes can be donated at any Goodwill store or donation center in Kentucky.

To learn more about the Last Mile to Work program, click here.

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