Yes, it's a place where kids can go, and for a bit of money and some sweat equity they can get a bike. It has tools to true the wheels, fix the brakes, get it all working real well. And there are teachers who can pass on these skills.

But the "bike shop" is really a home away from home for the latchkey kids of Kennedy Park and elsewhere in Portland. It's a place where kids can find friendship, mentors, wholesome play, and meaningful work. Good manners are not out of date there.

And, sadly, it's closing. At least that's the plan, since funding has run dry, the space is no longer available, and the founders -- somewhat disheartened -- are planning to move on.

No -- it's not too late to save it, rescue this successful tiny project and give it a new lease on life. Kids' lives depend upon it. And yet, while the larger charities in town keep doing their good works, smaller projects, such as this one, are left out. It's the kids they've been serving that are the real losers.

E-mail this entry to a friend