'Mr. Earl' Could Use More Bikes

Earl Wright works on a tricycle at his home in Southern Pines. Hannah Sharpe

As of Monday, December 20, 2010

“Merry Christmas. This is Earl Wright.”

That’s how the man affectionately know as “Mr. Earl” answers his cell phone these days.

Wright is responsible for making Christmas a little brighter for hundreds of needy children through his Project Santa, which collects, repairs and refurbishes unwanted bikes and then distributes them to children on Christmas Day.

But as Christmas nears, donations remain below last year’s level and well below Wright’s goal.

“We have 380 bikes so far,” Wright said Friday. “Last year, we had 427, and our goal this season is to try to have 500.”

Wright attributes the lower numbers to the sluggish economy.

“It’s been a little rough this year because the economy has been rough on a lot of people, but it’s going to come around,” Wright said. “Moore County people will give when nobody else will. That’s why I live here. The people are so good.”

Bill Smith Ford at 1010 Old U.S. 1 North is the official drop-off point for the bikes.

Wright said bikes of all kinds will be accepted, but the most urgent need is ones for younger children.

“Mr. Earl” and his helpers will distribute the bicycles from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Christmas Day at Bo’s Food Store, 750 SW Broad St., Southern Pines.

Children of all ages are welcome to come pick up a bicycle free of charge. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are asked to bring two nonperishable food items in exchange for a bike. All donated food will be given to the Sandhills Food Bank.

Wright said he is optimistic that with a little help from the community, the goal is attainable.

“Last year, we had a lot (of donated bikes) come in at the last minute — like the last two weeks before Christmas,” he said. “Hopefully that will happen again.”

Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot.com.

More like this story

trod2009 2 years, 5 months ago

So blessed to have people like Mr. Wright in our community!!

stARDAwg 2 years, 5 months ago

where do all these bikes end up going? i certainly havent seen 427 bikes riding around southern pines in the last year.

stARDAwg 2 years, 5 months ago

by the way. my bike was recently borrowed without permission from the southern pines library and i am currently homeless and an unemployed veteran. being a big kid myself, am i eligible for a bicycle?

Arestorer 2 years, 5 months ago

Wish he had the means as great as his heart. Glad to know Earl. Thankful to have this type of people in our community. I will give!! stARDAwg, contact me thru Pilot, Ill make sure you have a bike for Christmas.....

PEACE,LOVE and JOY TO ALL.

Ken711 2 years, 5 months ago

Great story especially this time of year.

stARDAwg 2 years, 4 months ago

Arestorer, why does this man not have the "means" in such a resourceful community? are there some invisible divisions between economic, social, cultural, educational, and spiritual classes that i am not aware of?

thank you for offering me a bike. what do you mean contact you through the pilot? arent we in contact right now?

TRUTH BE TOLD.

Matt_Woodruff 2 years, 4 months ago

Stardawg,

Click on the profile name which will take you to their profile page then click on Contact , you can send a message to someone this way. Peace

Bflat 2 years, 4 months ago

Mr Earl is doing just great helping those less fortunate in the community. I don't have a bike to give to him but I have done something for 2 needy families this year like provide money and gifts today in advance of Christmas. If you look around or ask around, you will know who really needs help. One family that I helped has 3 children and the mother is unable to work. In the 2nd family the dad of 3 is laid off work and mother only has a part time job and they have a baby. So many people are struggling due to the economy. Try to help someone in your own community.