BIDDEFORD — It’s fall, and many Biddeford residents know that means it’s time for the Community Bicycle Center’s Annual Appeal Campaign for donations to support the center’s expenses.

Pegged as the “unsung hero” of the CBC, the Annual Appeal is held every fall as the nonprofit’s way of raising money to fund its general operating costs without having to apply for grants. Those costs include expenses such as heat, paper products like toilet paper and snacks for children when they get hungry.

“It’s not the sexy stuff,” Barnett said. “Everything pays for programs but (the campaign) is paying for some of the not-so-glamorous expenses.”

Last year, Barnett said, 31 percent of the center’s funding came from individual and corporate donations, a portion of which came from the Annual Appeal. That support, she said, solidifies the CBC’s place as a pillar of the community.

“Folks come out of the woodwork to support the CBC programs. It’s kind of like the six degrees of separation. You don’t realize how many people are connected to CBC from certain kids,” she said.

The CBC began as an Earn-a-Bike organization in 2001, and became a nonprofit organization four years later. In 2014, the CBC moved into its present location on Granite Street, where more than 100 people volunteer their time to serve about 400 local children.

Those children partake in enrichment programs to develop life skills through engagement in bicycle-related activities. Children learn safe cycling techniques and bike repair skills, and develop strategies for civic engagement and mentoring relationships.

Since 2005, the center has helped connect nearly 1,900 children with caring adults and given away about 1,800 helmets to those in need. The center has also helped participants repair more than 1,500 bicycles and explore more than 58,000 miles of the state.

With all that under its helmet, in addition to moving to the new location two years ago, Barnett said, the CBC has solidified itself as part of the community.

“The newer (shop) gives us a sense of permanency. It really is an anchor and a home base. We’re not going anywhere,” Barnett said. “We’re in the fabric of the community. We’re really in the neighborhoods instead of being on the periphery. We’re in kid’s backyards.”

Barnett said the campaign runs until the Dec. 31. Donations can be made online at the center’s website, communitybike.net, or made in person at the center at 45 Granite St., Biddeford. They can also be mailed to P.O. Box 783, Biddeford, ME 04005.

“We know that if people don’t donate quickly, people won’t donate at all,” Barnett said.

While the campaign primarily funds general expenses, Barnett said all donations in some way, shape or form go back to the children served at the CBC.

“We survive off donations, that’s just how is,” she said.

But ultimately, Barnett said, it’s the children who make the center what it is.

“We always tell the kids that this is their program,” she said. “We say, ‘This is your program; this program’s for you.’”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com.