Altruistic Answers from Cristiana Villani: Charities in the Spotlight”

Our newest column “Altruistic Answers: Charities in the Spotlight” features Q&As with Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester residents who have founded, participate in or help with the many non-profit and charities in our communities. Here is our first feature on Linking Handlebars.

Organization: Linking Handlebars

Mission: To help underprivileged children enjoy the outdoors and a health means of transportation. 

Founding Members: The founding members of the organization are four Rye High School girls, Lucia Villani, Cristiana Villani, Bridget Salice and Jenna Cammisa. They have a wide range of volunteer experience in the local community having volunteered at Part of the Solution in the Bronx, the Carver Center and at Helping Hands. The group’s mission is to promote a healthier lifestyle for needy children through the distribution of bicycles,” according to the group’s flyer. 

To donate or get involved: visit linkinghandlebars.org. Their next donation drive will be at the end of this summer. Check with Patch for information.

They distributed 32 bicycles last December and 5 bicycles this June to children at the Carver Center. They collect gently used bicycles and have them checked out and fixed up. They also accept monetary donations to pay for the repairs for the gently used bicycles and to purchase new helmets and new bicycles.

 This is the second of four Q&As with the founding members.

Answers from Cristiana Villani, 16

Why did you decide to start Linking Handlebars?

Bicycle riding has always been a part of our childhood; therefore, we wanted other children to have the same experience. 

What is the kids reaction when you give them the bike?
 How does that make you feel?



The children are always very happy to receive new bicycles and that brings joy to our lives too. When you see the child smile at their parents and then to us, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Some of the kids even get on the bicycle while still inside the building and refuse to get off. Listening to the children's stories makes me appreciate what I have. 

Do you expect to continue community service work in the future?

I absolutely hope to continue community service in the future especially through Linking Handlebars Inc. Hopefully, our organization becomes a great success and we are able to distribute more bicycles to children. 

What is the most challenging part about running a charity? 
What is the most rewarding part?



The most challenging part is finding efficient ways to fundraise and attaining monetary donations from our community. The most rewarding part is receiving a new list of children who want bicycles being able to accommodate all their desires. 

Please share anecdote on how you first learned ride a bike?

My mom and my dad used to take me to the Osborn school and I would use training wheels and they would hold me up and run next to me until I was balancing on my own. Once I was able to ride on my own, I would bike with my cousins and my sister around Osborn and Jamaica State Park in Vermont.

*If you have a person or charity you'd like to see featured in "Altruistic Answers: Charities in the Spotlight" please share the name of that organization, person or group in the comments or email it to me at elizabeth.giegerich@patch.com