By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson

For many BWorks students, the end of an Earn-A-Bike class marks the beginning of countless bike rides. For Zach Dinga, it also marked the beginning of his volunteer journey.

While participating in BWorks’ Earn-A-Bike program, Zach discovered he really enjoyed taking bikes apart and putting them back together. When his mom, Christina, shared his enthusiasm with programs director Evie Hemphill, she invited him to come back as a volunteer. Since March, Zach has been spending Saturday mornings at BWorks alongside his parents.

“I was looking for something to do and enjoy building things, so I decided to give it a try,” Zach said. “It turns out that I really liked it.”

In this photo by BWorks volunteer Wayne Brinkman, Zach Dinga pauses from helping restore a 1950s-era Schwinn Corvette that was donated to the organization.

As a volunteer, Zach helps disassemble and rebuild donated bikes and has even had the opportunity to work on a class bike. One of his favorite tasks has been installing the brakes on a bicycle!

Beyond learning new mechanical skills, Zach has found a welcoming community at BWorks.

“It’s been fun getting to work with BWorks staff and volunteers,” he shared. “They are easy to get to know and talk to. They tell stories, and I enjoy listening to them.”

For Zach, the most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing his work makes a difference.

“My favorite part of volunteering at BWorks is knowing that I am helping other people and the community,” he explained. “I like being a part of something big and doing something that will bring other kids enjoyment.”

Volunteering at BWorks has also had a meaningful impact on Zach personally. Through his time in the shop, he has met new people, spent time doing something he enjoys, and developed a stronger connection to his community.

If Zach could ride anywhere in the world, he would choose the beaches of the Bahamas, where he’d have fun exploring the island’s scenery on a bike with sand tires.

We’re grateful for Zach’s continued involvement with BWorks and the enthusiasm he brings each time he volunteers. His willingness to return after completing Earn-A-Bike and give back to the program is helping strengthen our community and making a real difference!

One of the most recent places Zach Dinga biked was Banff National Park in Canada. He said it’s his new favorite place to bike. (Photo courtesy of Christina Dinga)