MINNEAPOLIS — Gently used or new bikes will be collected at Allina Health facilities for the Free Bikes 4 Kidz Minnesota donation drive.

For the 12th consecutive year Allina Health will collect donated bicycles throughout its locations in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, including the New Ulm Medical Center.

Last year more than 7,000 bikes were collected, cleaned and refurbished to donate to those in need of a bike.

Community members are asked to consider donating a gently used or new bike and to ask family and friends if they have one they would like to donate, including adaptive bikes for kids with disabilities.

Donations will be accepted at 26 Allina Health locations in the region on Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We want to help make it possible for every child to have a bike and participate in a fun and environmentally friendly activity that promotes good health,” says Lisa Shannon, Allina Health president and CEO. “As a health care organization, we recognize good health habits start early. We are so proud of our 12-year partnership with FB4KMN, an organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a healthier, happier childhood by providing bikes to kids and families.”

Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN is also seeking volunteers to help clean and prepare the donated bikes for distribution. For more information and to volunteer visit FB4KMN.org.

Bikes will be distributed next spring. Kids who receive a bike will also get free bicycle helmets and bike safety information at the distribution events.