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WHEELS OF HAPPINESS

“The Wheels of Happiness” is a domestic and international community development initiative dedicated to improving the mobility, recreation, and quality of life for children and senior citizens living in economically disadvantaged regions in the United States and abroad.

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Within the U.S., and across many regions of Brazil (the pilot country for this initiative abroad) and other developing nations, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities, access to recreational equipment, fitness resources, and organized wellness activities remains limited.  At the same time, thousands of adult and children bicycles, tricycle and fitness machines are discarded annually throughout the United States, often  requiring only minor repairs to become fully functional.

Children in low-income regions often lack access to safe mobility and recreational opportunities that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle. Likewise, many senior citizens have limited opportunities to engage in structured exercise programs that support overall well-being.

The Wheels of Happiness seeks to bridge this gap by creating an international equipment recovery/repair/donation system that converts unused assets into valuable community resources.

This project simultaneously addresses two important social challenges:

  1. The disposal of usable mobility, recreational, and fitness equipment/machines in the United States.

  2. The lack of access to these resources among underserved populations domestically and abroad.

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This project aims to accomplish five main goals:

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  • Goal 1: Collect/repair/restore donated bicycles, tricycles,  and exercise equipment  to provide mobility and encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyle for children and adults.

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  • Goal 2: Create opportunities for children and teenagers to engage in recreational activities, outdoor exercise, and social interaction.

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  • Goal 3: Support senior citizens quality of life through access to exercise equipment and group activities that promote mobility and social interaction.

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  • Goal 4: Build partnerships between communities in the United States and other countries to create a sustainable international model of charitable reuse and community engagement.

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  • Goal 5: Reduce environmental pollution  and promote local community development by diverting usable equipment from landfills and extending product life through technical training and mentorship programs.

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planning goals

This project will collect donated used, damaged, and surplus bicycles, tricycles, treadmills, exercise bicycles, and other fitness equipment from individuals, businesses, schools, fitness centers, and corporations throughout the State of New Jersey, U.S.A, and surrounding states.

These items will be inspected, repaired, refurbished, and prepared for domestic and international shipment, where they will be donated and distributed to schools, community centers, youth programs, senior centers, and nonprofit organizations serving low-income populations.

This initiative will begin with a pilot launch outside the United States  in one economically vulnerable state in Brazil.  As funding, partnerships, and operational capacity grow, this project will expand gradually to include other Brazilian states, as well as states within the U.S.A., and communities in need in other developing countries.

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The selected pilot region to launch this initiative abroad is the state of Maranhão due to:

  • Significant socio-economic challenges

  • Numerous underserved rural communities

  • Large youth population

  • Opportunities for partnerships with schools and community organizations

  • Existing community development networks and strong nonprofit infrastructure

  • Strategic port and accessibility to neighboring Northeastern states

OUR wheels are moving to get THE WHEELS going… This is already in progress:

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  • The warehouse/work space is ready.

  • Logistics  preparation in progress in Brazil.

  • Logistics preparation in progress in NJ.

  • OUR GOAL IS TO SHIP THE FIRST CONTAINER

     AT THE BEGINNING  OF 2027.  LET’S GO!!!

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  • The initial launch for The Wheels of Happiness is sponsored by Santronics and J & H Radio.

  • The application process for 501c3/non-profit status is in progress.

  • The website  is under construction.

  • This initiative is starting to roll…

JOIN US! YOU CAN ALREADY HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN...​

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  • AT NO COST  TO YOU, we will pick up adult and children bicycles and tricycles, treadmills, exercise bikes, and any other machines you wish to dispose of. CONTACT US to discuss pick  up details. (In the following NJ counties only: Morris, Hudson, Essex, Union, & Middlesex)

  • If you’re a pastor, a local elected official, or  local NJ business, contact Mario Santos to discuss how we can work together.

 

  • OUR phone number  (908) 403-0313 will be used temporarily until a dedicated phone number is obtained  for the Wheels of Happiness. LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER!

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