Cranksgiving benefits hunger center

Cleveland’s cycling community is once again gathering food for disadvantaged families and senior citizens this holiday season.

Bike Cleveland and BIKe Euclid are hosting Cleveland’s seventh-annual Cranksgiving, a food drive by bicycle that begins and ends at the Euclid Hunger Center. There is no cost to join the event, but cyclists usually spend about $15 (or however much you can) on food and supplies for others.

It will be Nov. 17 starting at the Euclid Hunger Center, 291 E. 222nd St.

How does Cranksgiving work? Riders of all ages and skill levels receive a map of nearby grocery stores and are challenged to ride their bikes – regardless of weather — to about four of the stores to purchase one or more food items specified for each. Everything purchased must be hauled by bicycle, either in a bag, pannier, rack, or trailer. You will return to donate the food you collected to benefit the Euclid Hunger Center. Be prepared to spend about $15 (or however much you can) and ride about 15 miles.

Bike Cleveland has 2 bike trailers available for the event if you plan on making larger purchases. If you would like to reserve one, contact jason@bikecleveland.org. A waiting list will be kept in case of no-shows.

Want to contribute even more? Clean out your pantry and bring nonperishable food items to the event. Organize a mini-food drive at your work or in your neighborhood. Or, if you cannot attend, you can make a donation to Bike Cleveland (specifying that it is for Cranksgiving) and a Bike Cleveland board member will fetch groceries on your behalf.

Registration plus coffee and doughnuts begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a brief program send-off at 11 a.m. Participants will return to the center and donate food from 1 to 1:15 p.m. Closing program and traditional group photo will be at 1:30 p.m.

For additional Information , call 216-BIKE-101 (216245-3101) or email jason@ bikecleveland.org.