By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson

Emma Huff has been a dedicated BWorks volunteer since 2022, but her interest in our organization actually began a couple of years earlier. She first reached out in 2020 while exploring volunteer opportunities, but because of the pandemic, BWorks wasn’t able to bring on in-person volunteers at the time. As effects from the pandemic started to calm down, Emma reached back out to volunteer in 2022, and we’ve been lucky to have her ever since.

Emma, second from left, stands with fellow bike shop volunteers Scott, Doug and Craig during an evening spent stripping and building bikes at BWorks’ Soulard headquarters.

Over the years, Emma has spent countless hours volunteering in the bike shop, helping with alumni rides and bike buses, and more recently lending a hand at BWorks’ soon-to-be new home along South Grand each week. 

When asked about her favorite memories, two experiences immediately come to mind. One is an overnight biking and camping adventure on the Katy Trail, where Emma was amazed watching kids tackle such long distances. Seeing even the youngest riders accomplish something so challenging reminded her just how capable and determined BWorks students are.

Emma follows a recent Earn-A-Bike graduate and her grandfather along the Katy Trail during a BWorks alumni adventure.

Another one of Emma’s favorite memories is from a few months ago when she was helping clear the church pews out of BWorks’ new building.

“We were a machine!” she says, reflecting on the incredible turnout of volunteers who came together to make it happen.

Lately, we’re going to assume plaster work is Emma’s passion based on her amazing dedication at our soon-to-be new organizational home. Her handy skills on various fronts have been a huge asset for BWorks!

Volunteering has also had a lasting impact on Emma herself. She says BWorks has made her a more confident bike mechanic and has changed the way she approaches challenges. Beyond learning new skills, she’s appreciated getting to know people from all kinds of backgrounds and stages of life who share a passion for bikes and supporting the community of St. Louis.

If Emma could take her bike anywhere in the world, she says she’d head to Chile to ride through the mountains, taking in the snow-capped peaks and beautiful valleys along the ride. (Knowing the adventurous, capable person that she is, we expect she’ll make that trip happen one of these days!)

We’re grateful for Emma’s years of dedication, positivity, and willingness to help out in a variety of areas. Volunteers like her make the BWorks community stronger every day!

In addition to volunteering on the more mechanical side of things, Emma is quick to dive in with special events such as bike buses and alumni rides, where she often serves as a “blocker” at various crosswalks and intersections, helping keep kids joyfully and safely exploring the St. Louis area on two wheels. She’s pictured here at the start of BWorks’ annual pedal/paddle, under the Gateway Arch.

By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson

Darren Ling has been volunteering with BWorks since the fall of 2008. His journey began when he was searching for volunteer opportunities related to computers and discovered ByteWorks, where volunteers refurbish donated computers for the Earn-A-Computer program. Since then, Darren has continued to use his technical skills to help them prepare computers that students earn through the program.

Today, Darren continues to volunteer behind the scenes by updating ByteWorks’ custom Linux operating system, cloning the system onto hard drives, and troubleshooting computer issues. His work helps ensure that every computer students earn is ready to use. 

One of Darren’s favorite aspects of ByteWorks is the Earn-A-Computer program itself. Rather than allowing donated computers to be recycled or thrown away, BWorks gives them a second life while providing students with the opportunity to earn their own device by completing classes in computer programming and internet safety.

When Darren was asked about his favorite memories as a volunteer, one stands out above the rest.

The wedding reception of two fellow volunteers, Chris and Ruth, was held at BWorks, bringing together their families and the volunteer community for a memorable celebration. It was a heartwarming display showing that the connections formed through BWorks often extend far beyond the work itself.

Volunteering has also had a lasting impact on Darren personally. Over the years, he has met what he describes as “inspirational, wonderful and awesome people” through BWorks. He also credits his volunteer experience with teaching him an entirely new skill. Before joining ByteWorks, Darren had never used the Linux operating system. Everything he knows about Linux today has come from volunteering.

If Darren could bike anywhere in the world, he says he would choose Machu Picchu, the breathtaking 15th-century Incan citadel in Peru, adding that it’s also “fun to say!”

And finally, Darren leaves us with one of his favorite math/computer jokes:

“There are 10 types of people in this world: those who understand binary, and those who don’t.”

We’re grateful for Darren’s many years of dedication and the expertise he brings to ByteWorks. His work behind the scenes helps ensure students leave BWorks with reliable computers and the ability to continue learning long after class ends!

BWorks continues to see steady demand for all three of our central programs — Earn-A-Bike, Earn-A-Computer and Learn-To-Ride — and ongoing interest in more such offerings both at BWorks’ headquarters and at partner locations around the region. As we seek to continue to grow our efforts in sustainable and effective ways, BWorks is now accepting applications for a bicycle teaching position and/or mechanic position. 

 For the right candidate, positions can be combined to create a full-time position. 

By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson

Steve Schmitz first learned about BWorks through his son, Chris, who discovered the organization through his passion for cycling. After hearing about BWorks, Steve decided to visit himself; at the time, BWorks was located in a small storefront in south city before moving to its current location in Soulard. Steve still remembers the volunteer community coming together to move bikes and materials from the original location to the new building in a “caravan-like move.”

Shortly after the 2011 move, Steve began volunteering with BWorks. As a retired public school science teacher with 37 years of experience at Normandy High School, Steve knew he wanted to continue doing work that had purpose and value after retirement. With his background as a cyclist and outdoors enthusiast, BWorks felt like the perfect place to stay connected to his community while supporting a mission he believed in.

Longtime volunteer Steve Schmitz, at right, is pictured above with his friend, Tim, at BWorks.

Steve initially started as a volunteer mechanic, but eventually transitioned into a more customer-facing role: he greeted visitors, answered questions, helped manage donations, and assisted customers looking for bikes. Steve also developed a talent for finding customers’ appropriate bike size just by glancing at their height and arm length. 

Over time, Steve shifted to remote volunteering, a role he continues today. Every day, he helps manage BWorks’ email communications, directing questions to the appropriate staff members and ensuring people receive the support they need. He also created BWorks’ personalized 501(c)(3) tax letter that accompanies donations to BWorks!

Volunteering at BWorks has continued to be an important part of Steve’s life.

“It keeps me busy, happy, and doing something that I am proud of doing,” Steve says. For him, being involved in work that matters and helps others is what makes life meaningful.

Steve shared this blast-from-the-past photo from a celebration in 2013, when BWorks was celebrating its 25th year of empowering St. Louis youth through in-depth bike and computer education programs.

When asked about his favorite memories as a volunteer, Steve recalls one moment from his time working with BWorks visitors. A mother and her young daughter came to BWorks looking for a bike, and while Steve helped them explore their options, the little girl quickly warmed up to him and asked to sit in his lap in his wheelchair. With her mother’s encouragement, Steve and the young girl rolled around the shop together as they searched for the perfect bike. When they finally found one and were ready to leave, the girl smiled, waved goodbye, and left with a bike she loved.

Another special memory for Steve is that his son, Chris, held his wedding reception at BWorks, creating a meaningful connection between his family and the organization.

Over the years, the Schmitz family, including Steve and his wife, Wilma, as well as their adult kids and grandkids, have helped make BWorks the organization it is today.

When asked where he would bike if he could go anywhere in the world, Steve reflected on the many rides he took when he was younger, including trips through St. Charles County, across the river into Illinois, and along the River Road. 

“Those days and that riding have left memories that are both good and important to me — and that’s enough,” Steve explains.

We’re so grateful for Steve’s many years of dedication, kindness, and commitment to serving others.