Date Published: August 29, 2026

It began with a single volunteer, a set of tools and a pair of portable repair stands. Three years later, Bikes from the Heart has blossomed into a ministry that builds community, provides dependable transportation to thousands of people in need and – just as importantly – restores dignity.  

On Aug. 15, the all-volunteer outreach ministry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, stewarded by the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated the donation of its 3,000th bicycle. The event included a blessing and a community ride that drew more than 100 participants – including bicycle recipients, civic leaders, ecumenical partners, Franciscan friars and volunteers.  

The event began on the steps of Sacred Heart Church, where Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined clergy from Sacred Heart, Hyde Park United Methodist Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Maggie Rogers, executive director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, helped co-founders Tim Eves and Tom Henry present the milestone bicycle to a resident of Tampa Hope Homeless Shelter.  

Then, Br. Michael Jones, OFM, offered a blessing before participants rode 3 miles through downtown Tampa and into Seminole Heights. Escorted by Tampa Police, riders later gathered at Sacred Heart’s North Campus for fellowship, tours of the ministry’s workshop and a bike sale benefiting future outreach efforts.  

“When we started this ministry, we really thought it was going to be a nice way to stay busy in retirement,” Tim said. “We never thought we would be refurbishing and giving away a thousand bikes a year.” 






From left, Tim Eves, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg executive director Maggie Rogers, Tampa mayor Jane Castor, Tom Henry and Br. Michael Jones, OFM. "It's easy to overlook how vital basic transportation is until you see someone's life open up because they now have a reliable way to get to work, school, or medical appointments," Br. Mike said. "It has shown me that small, deliberate efforts, multiplied over time, create profound community transformation. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)



From left, Tim Eves, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg executive director Maggie Rogers, Tampa mayor Jane Castor, Tom Henry and Br. Michael Jones, OFM. “It’s easy to overlook how vital basic transportation is until you see someone’s life open up because they now have a reliable way to get to work, school, or medical appointments,” Br. Mike said. “It has shown me that small, deliberate efforts, multiplied over time, create profound community transformation. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)


Brothers Zachary Elliott, OFM, and Michael Jones, OFM, attend the celebration marking the 3,000th bike donated by Bikes from the Heart. "Taking discarded or unused bicycles and breathing new life into them honors Franciscan care for creation by reusing resources to serve those on the margins," Br. Mike said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)



Brothers Zachary Elliott, OFM, and Michael Jones, OFM, attend the celebration marking the 3,000th bike donated by Bikes from the Heart. “Taking discarded or unused bicycles and breathing new life into them honors Franciscan care for creation by reusing resources to serve those on the margins,” Br. Mike said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)


Tom Henry and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg executive director Maggie Rogers address attendees at Bikes from the Heart's celebration of the 3,000th bike donated. "We have a wonderful community of volunteers. We encourage each other and are encouraged by each other," Tom said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)



Tom Henry and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg executive director Maggie Rogers address attendees at Bikes from the Heart’s celebration of the 3,000th bike donated. “We have a wonderful community of volunteers. We encourage each other and are encouraged by each other,” Tom said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)




From humble beginnings to a thriving ministry  

Founded in 2023, Bikes from the Heart has grown from a modest operation to an award-winning community outreach program.   

Businesses, community partners, local churches and Sacred Heart parishioners donate used bikes, which are refurbished and distributed to people and families who lack reliable transportation. Today, the ministry operates with 10 permanent repair stations and approximately 30 active volunteers.  

“We have really gotten to know so many of our clientele, who are now friends and some even volunteers,” Tom said.  

For Br. Mike, the ministry embodies Franciscan values of hospitality, stewardship and respect for human dignity.  

“Bikes from the Heart is a pure reflection of pax et bonum (peace and good) and Franciscan radical hospitality,” Br. Mike said. “A bicycle represents freedom, self-reliance and connection.”  





Tom Henry, second from right, poses with volunteers and attendees. "It was really a wonderful morning and it was so nice to see so many of the participants sitting around chatting with each other at the conclusion of the ride. Fellowship and sharing the love of God is what we're all about," he said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)



Tom Henry, second from right, poses with volunteers and attendees. “It was really a wonderful morning and it was so nice to see so many of the participants sitting around chatting with each other at the conclusion of the ride. Fellowship and sharing the love of God is what we’re all about,” he said. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)


Brothers Zachary Elliott, OFM, and Michael Jones, OFM, give the invocation and blessing before the ride on Aug. 15 to commemorate 3,000 bikes donated by Bikes from the Heart. " Reaching this milestone proves that the parish views itself not just as a place of worship, but as an active, reliable anchor of hope for the entire city," Br. Michael said.



Brothers Zachary Elliott, OFM, and Michael Jones, OFM, give the invocation and blessing before the ride on Aug. 15 to commemorate 3,000 bikes donated by Bikes from the Heart. ” Reaching this milestone proves that the parish views itself not just as a place of worship, but as an active, reliable anchor of hope for the entire city,” Br. Michael said.


Riders embark on a 3-mile ride through Tampa streets to celebrate. Riders were then given sweet treats and a tour of the ministry's workshop. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)



Riders embark on a 3-mile ride through Tampa streets to celebrate. Riders were then given sweet treats and a tour of the ministry’s workshop. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)




Franciscan values on two wheels  

Volunteers carefully clean, repair and tune each bike in preparation for donation. Recipients receive a gift prepared with care and dignity. The ministry is committed to refurbishing discarded bikes, a reflection of Franciscan stewardship of creation.  

“A bicycle can be the exact bridge between unemployment and a steady job, or between isolation and community engagement,” Br. Mike said.  

The impact extends beyond recipients.  

A man provided a memorable moment by returning a bicycle the ministry had previously given him.   

“Nothing is wrong with it,” he told the volunteers. “This bike helped me to find a job and get back on my feet. I now own a car and do not need this bike anymore. I hope you can give it to someone else and change their lives.”  

A volunteer told ministry leaders that Bikes from the Heart “saved his life” after he experienced a period of deep depression. He found friendship, purpose and a supportive community through the ministry.   

Three thousand blessings  

Lined end-to-end, 3,000 bikes would span more than 3 miles. More importantly, each bicycle means one person will gain a measure of connection and freedom. Stories like these help explain why reaching 3,000 bicycles means more to volunteers than a numerical achievement.  

“The grateful recipients make every single bike we give away a blessing to all of us,” Tim said. “So, we have received over 3,000 blessings.”  

Though proud of their collective efforts, the ministry leaders see it as the beginning of a larger journey.   

“Three thousand is a milestone,” Tom said. “Not a finish line.”