Everyday Heroes: Bikers give computers to children who need them

By Bill Murphy, Everyday Hero http://www.baynews9.com/

NEW PORT RICHEY — 

Greg Reaster is the founder and Phillip Tenk, better known as “Tank,” a member of a nonprofit organization called B.I.K.E.R.S.C.A.P.

• Motorcyclists refurbish computers for kids
  
• Nonprofit organization called B.I.K.E.R.S.C.A.P.
• Group looking for location in Tampa to receive donated computers

And seven words on the front page of its website sum up what their organization is all about: “Nothing is more important than our children.”

Reaster started eight years ago with the realization that for kids to have a chance to succeed today, a computer of their own is a necessity.

“To be able to help children attain a base tool we see as necessary to get the most out of public education and that being, naturally, a computer,” Reaster said.

And to that end, B.I.K.E.R.S.C.A.P has presented more than 1,000 schoolkids with computers.

That’s where Tank comes in.

A self-taught computer wiz, he is a full-time, unpaid volunteer who works with Reaster to refurbish used computers.

He says the best part is seeing the kids’ faces.

“When you see them, they’re just like, ‘this is mine!’ You know, it’s like Christmas in July,” Tank said.

Volunteering is nothing new to him.

Living in Punta Gorda in 2004 when Hurricane Charley hit, Tank was on the scene helping both neighbors and strangers.

Public support is key, and Reaster is hoping to find a location in Tampa as a hub for receiving donated computers as the organization grows.

“We’re bikers, but we don’t just give teddy bears once a year.  We go out and we focus on getting those kids ahead,” Reaster said.