Back to Where It All Started
In 2025, the world felt heavy.
Across the communities we work with, families were navigating a lot; and in some cases, concerns around immigration and public exposure meant certain initiatives had to slow down or pause altogether. Instead of forcing momentum where it didn’t feel right, we chose to do what Mutt Society has always done best; adapt, listen, and show up where we were truly needed.
That decision brought us back to where one of our first larger bike drives ever happened: Lazarus House in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
With help from Marcy Furse, we connected with the team at one of Lazarus House’s residential facilities and identified about 50 kids who needed a first bike. Not an upgrade. Not a replacement. A first ride; the kind that changes how a kid sees their world.
The Work Before the Day
Throughout the summer, our team was wrenching away on bikes stored at our Windham, NH location; tuning, repairing, sizing, and making sure each one was ready for its future rider. We were also lucky to receive generous bike donations from Cycles Etc. (Salem, NH) and Trek Concord, helping us get more kids rolling.
We also recieved a significant donation from our friends at Rockland Trust.
July 18: Bike Day
On July 18, we rolled into Lawrence with a van and a U-Haul trailer; set up shop in the yard outside the facility; and started lining bikes up one by one. Each bike was tagged with a child’s name before arrival.
Kids were fitted with helmets; generously donated by Michael Broome and family; and then the moment happened; picking up their bike.
As always, this event was held in memoriam of Tony. And as always, that meaning hits hardest when you hand a bike to an older kid who has never owned one; then walk alongside them as they learn how to ride. There are no speeches in those moments; just shaky starts; quick adjustments; and more than a few emotions.
By the end of the day, the yard and parking lot were alive. Kids cruising. Families watching something small unlock something big.
That’s why we kick it this way...haha.
Giving Back: The Point of All This
Mutt Society was built on a simple belief; if you’re lucky enough to ride, you’re lucky enough to give back.
Bikes gave many of us freedom, confidence, and community when we were younger. For kids who don’t always get access to those things, a bike can be a turning point; a reason to get outside; a reason to believe they belong.
These events aren’t about numbers or photos, they’re about showing up consistently, meeting communities where they are; and doing something tangible that makes life better, even if just for one afternoon.
We’ll keep fixing bikes.
We’ll keep teaching kids how to ride.
And we’ll keep giving back...because that’s the responsibility that comes with being able to ride in the first place.
IN MEMORIAM:
The bike drive event is in memory of Anthony J Monteiro. Tony was a proud Air Force Veteran and avid outdoorsman; passionate about fishing, skiing, and mountain biking.
His family is devoted to honoring Tony by annually helping a young person experience what it is like to find the freedom and happiness of owning their own bike. In their words:
“Our family wanted to create an annual event to make someone else happy and feel joy in Tony’s memory. There is nothing like seeing the smile and hearing the excitement in a youngster when they are with their new bike!”
LAZARUS HOUSE:
Lazarus House Ministries offers food, shelter, work preparation, and support services to individuals and families living in poverty in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Their programs are designed to restore dignity and empower guests to move forward with hope and stability.
“We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by walking alongside those we serve with compassion, respect, and unwavering belief in their potential.”
