Our first holiday season in our Hudson Street location was in 2008. We were two guys and a three-legged cat, and we'd made a leap of faith (figuratively—three-legged cats aren't known for their leaping abilities) by expanding our small, niche business and moving into a bricks-and-mortar location in what I delicately referred to as a "neighborhood in transition." The country was in a recession, and businesses, households, and non-profits were struggling to make ends meet. In retrospect, it was a pretty sketchy time to make a move like that.

Four Christmases later, the landscape is different. We're still here, and still facing the typical small-business challenges, but we've continued to grow, adding staff and a new satellite location. The recession is over, and there are green shoots of revitalization in our neighborhood. As we enter our fifth season, something else has changed for us. Instead of being newcomers or interlopers in an unfamiliar place, we've become part of the neighborhood. Every day, our lives are enriched and edified by our neighbors and the friends we've made here. However, what hasn't changed is the dire need of those living in poverty here on Greenville's west side, and the dedication of those in the community who serve them. 

Throughout our first four years we've had the opportunity to see both the extreme need that exists in our community and the selflessness and dedication of those people who are working to address that need. We certainly do what we can with donations and pro bono bike repair, but this winter we'd like to contribute something more directly, and—since this is a bike shop, after all, much as it often feels like a bar, a coffee shop, or a soup kitchen—we've decided to leverage our crazy bike retail skills to do it. There are two ways you can contribute:

• Bring us 5 canned goods or new hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, washcloths) to receive a 25% discount on any non-bike purchase. 10 cans scores you 10% off any 2013 bike purchase or 25% off any clearance or in-stock 2012 model. Your contribution will be matched by TTR Bikes staff and donated to United Ministries, Miracle Hill, Triune Mercy Center, or St. Anthony of Padua's food pantry. All of these organizations are working in our community to provide essentials—food, medicine, shelter—to those in need. In addition, they're providing educational support, job training, and other assistance to folks who are too often on the margins of our society.

• Bring us a donation receipt dated 12/1/12-1/31/13 from any of the following organizations: United Ministries, Miracle Hill, St. Anthony of Padua food pantry, Triune Mercy Center, Homes for Hope, or Upstate Forever ('cause the environment needs love, too). We will give you a store credit equal to 25% of your donation, up to a total of $100. No strings. We're gonna give you free money for doing something good.

So that's what's up. The 2013 bike purchase portion is good through Dec. 22, at which time we shut down for Saturnalia. The rest of the promotion is good through January 31, 2013. The need doesn't disappear when the holidays do. Please share this with your friends and family, and let's get together to make a difference this holiday season.