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2500 Five Mile Rd, Traverse City
Hero Story
Piper Shumar was born with a chronic illness, as she grew up, she rode her bike to take her mind off multiple surgeries. She had a burning desire to help others and started collecting deposits on bottles and cans and turned that money into bike helmets for families that could not afford helmets. Soon Piper was involved in a year-long effort to buy bikes for kids in need. She wanted those kids could experience the same sense of freedom that she had enjoyed. Piper started the “Piper’s Project This Girl Can.” Seven years ago she raised enough money to donate ten bikes to the Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan campaign. But that was only the start. Her donations continued to grow. Last year Piper donated 270 bikes.
Piper hit a significant milestone last year when she donated her 1,000th bike. To mark the event, she purchased a tricycle to help a special-needs child. That bike alone was valued at nearly $4,000. The joy she brought to that child will be forever etched in our minds.
Piper has experienced Toys for Tots at every level. Two years ago, she was one of 29 youths, and the youngest one, from around the country to serve as a Youth Ambassador by the National Toys for Tots Foundation. Last year she served as a Youth Mentor for the organization. She has organized bike assembly parties to put together the bikes she was donating. She has volunteered with the human service agencies on days when Christmas packages were being distributed.
She has volunteered for Bikes for Tikes, Norte, Salvation Army, and Bethany Christian Services. Two years ago, Piper was honored as the Grand Marshall during the Community Royale Parade of the National Cherry Festival.
At only 13-years old, Piper is the poster child of youth involvement. She exerts confidence when asked to talk to the media. She is an advocate for the community and people in need of a little help.
When nominated as a Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador, Piper summarized the importance she gives to volunteerism by saying, “My goal in life is to teach others the importance of a healthy lifestyle through cycling and learn the importance of giving back to the community.” This young lady has so much to teach us all.
2500 Five Mile Rd, Traverse City
Hero Story
Piper Shumar was born with a chronic illness, as she grew up, she rode her bike to take her mind off multiple surgeries. She had a burning desire to help others and started collecting deposits on bottles and cans and turned that money into bike helmets for families that could not afford helmets. Soon Piper was involved in a year-long effort to buy bikes for kids in need. She wanted those kids could experience the same sense of freedom that she had enjoyed. Piper started the “Piper’s Project This Girl Can.” Seven years ago she raised enough money to donate ten bikes to the Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan campaign. But that was only the start. Her donations continued to grow. Last year Piper donated 270 bikes.
Piper hit a significant milestone last year when she donated her 1,000th bike. To mark the event, she purchased a tricycle to help a special-needs child. That bike alone was valued at nearly $4,000. The joy she brought to that child will be forever etched in our minds.
Piper has experienced Toys for Tots at every level. Two years ago, she was one of 29 youths, and the youngest one, from around the country to serve as a Youth Ambassador by the National Toys for Tots Foundation. Last year she served as a Youth Mentor for the organization. She has organized bike assembly parties to put together the bikes she was donating. She has volunteered with the human service agencies on days when Christmas packages were being distributed.
She has volunteered for Bikes for Tikes, Norte, Salvation Army, and Bethany Christian Services. Two years ago, Piper was honored as the Grand Marshall during the Community Royale Parade of the National Cherry Festival.
At only 13-years old, Piper is the poster child of youth involvement. She exerts confidence when asked to talk to the media. She is an advocate for the community and people in need of a little help.
When nominated as a Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador, Piper summarized the importance she gives to volunteerism by saying, “My goal in life is to teach others the importance of a healthy lifestyle through cycling and learn the importance of giving back to the community.” This young lady has so much to teach us all.