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Community replaces man’s bike

Rick Chandler

It was only three weeks ago that Daniel Kutz was feeling really low, thanks to a thief who had stolen Kutz’s only mode of transportation.

But things are looking a lot better now.

Thanks to a minor flood of donations, Kutz was able to replace the pair of three-wheel bicycles that had been swiped from his back yard. The 35-year-old man used the bikes for his recycling route around town.



“It was just really heartwarming to see everyone respond the way that they did,” said Daniel’s mother, Angel Kutz. “I would just like to say thank you to everyone who helped out. This means so much to him.”

Daniel suffered a childhood head injury and is developmentally disabled. He makes a little money recycling cans, bottles and other recyclables – and has become a regular sight around town as he peddles from business to business on his route.



But when someone broke into his yard last month and took the bikes, Daniel was grounded. So he walked his route every day.

“It was painful to see him do that because he doesn’t walk so good,” his mother said. “But he wouldn’t quit.”

Noticing his plight, employees at International House of Pancakes helped to set up a fund at U.S. Bank, calling it the Daniel Kutz Bicycle Fund. As word spread, money began coming in.

“Some people donated one or two dollars, some as much as $100,” Angel Kutz said. “Daniel had been very depressed. But when he began opening those envelopes and reading their notes, he cheered right up. It was great to see.

“Some people didn’t leave their names, so I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone publicly,” she said. “What a great thing to do.”

Enough money was raised to order two new three-wheelers, which cost in excess of $300 each. Plus, Daniel bought a new shirt.


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