Marcus Ayoub arranges donated bikes. Photo by Michael McMorrow.
Eye-catching homemade signs caught more than eyes. They also caught a large number of donors living in the Nottingham area, thanks to Marcus Ayoub. Marcus organized nine other members of Troop 647, Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the local Church of the Covenant, in a bicycle collection project to earn his Eagle Rank.
A trailer was filled with donated vehicles for the benefit of Phoenix Bikes. Marcus’ interest in that organization is reflected in the words of his signs throughout the neighborhood: Phoenix “teaches youth skills that include bike mechanics, leadership, teamwork and time management.”
In addition to fellow Scouts and a few friends, Marcus expressed appreciation to Nottingham School Principal Mary Beth Pelosky. She permitted her Student Council to participate in advertising the collection effort, and referred Marcus to the nearby Williamsburg Middle School for the same purpose.
Final steps will be taken in the next few days. Bikes will be cleaned and tires will be filled with air. The trailer will be reloaded and its contents will be delivered to Phoenix at the other side of the county.