By Corey Spector SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Throughout the previous two decades, Jan Maloff’s CNY Family Bike Giveaway has been a staple in the Central New York community.
Over the past 24 years, Maloff has helped donate more than 50,000 bicycles to those in the community who cannot afford to buy bikes for themselves. People who have received bicycles include impoverished children, adults, and also refugees.
Each year Maloff accepts donated bikes in perfect condition, monetary donations, or bikes that need to be repaired. While his first job is a manager at the A. DeWitt Memorial Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, he is a very talented mechanic and dedicates a lot of his time ensuring everyone who wants a bike receives a bike.
“Bicycles are so germane to growing up,” Maloff said. “It’s a part of life that most children experience.”
Maloff dished out 2,700 bikes during last year’s Christmas giveaway at Fowler High School, and plans to hold this year’s Christmas event at the same location. The other big time he donates bicycles is during the summer, but Maloff donates his time and effort for all 12 months of the year.
Many of Maloff’s childhood memories stem from his experiences riding a bicycle past Elmcrest Children’s Center. “From my early childhood, that experience of riding my bike to school past what I thought was an orphanage and seeing that these children did not have bicycles and thinking…I’m going to make sure everyone has a bicycle. And in a way, I did follow that path.”
Maloff does a lot of work in his garage, but also maintains a warehouse in the New York State Fairgrounds. He believes he’ll give away close to 3,000 bicycles again during the 2019 holiday season. He heavily relies upon volunteers, whether those are single people or entire families. Physically and mentally disabled people also aid in Maloff’s efforts.
As the years have progressed, Maloff has utilized bicycles as a tool to bring together citizens and law enforcement officials. “Especially now these days that we seem to have law enforcement viewed as almost an enemy,” Maloff said. “And we shouldn’t have the type of relationship between citizens and law enforcement.” He has worked closely with several police officers during these giveaways to build a rapport with citizens.
Maloff, though, wants to make this charity even bigger. He’d like to be featured on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir in order to render national recognition for the giveaway. He believes that he can be an intermediary for other people across the nation to start their own bicycle charities. Barring any unforeseen health issues, Maloff says he will be putting his time into this charity for the rest of his life.
Should you want to assist in Maloff’s efforts, please contact (315) 446-7570.
