While most teenagers are playing video games or watching TV, one courageous young man from Barrington, Illinois, dedicated his summer vacation to volunteer for Angel Tree in a unique way. Jeff Varwig spent 23 days riding his bicycle from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico to raise money for the ministry, helping children of prisoners reconnect with their incarcerated parents.
Jeff began his “Border to Border Charity Bicycle Ride” on July 16 in International Falls, Minnesota. He traveled over 1,600 miles of very difficult terrain, pushing himself to complete up to 100 miles per day! Finally on August 7, he reached his finish line in Galveston, Texas.
Along the way, 17-year-old Jeff was faced with obstacles ranging from thunderstorms to mechanical breakdowns. He braved record-setting heat waves with temperatures well over 100 degrees.
“At one point in Oklahoma, I ran out of water hours away from the nearest town,” recalls Jeff, “and throughout the trip I had to improvise bike repairs with little more than electrical tape!”
But through each difficult stretch, Jeff kept his focus on his ultimate goal of helping the 2.7 million children who have a parent in prison.
“The trip was an unforgettable experience and each obstacle I faced was only part of the adventure,” says Jeff.
The Generosity of Strangers
It was the first time Jeff had been on his own for such a long period of time. It was difficult, especially carrying only the supplies he could fit on his bike. Jeff found solace in an unusual place—in the care of strangers. These strangers quickly became friends, drawn to Jeff’s vibrant personality and clear dedication.
Jeff openly shared of his mission to raise money for Angel Tree and was amazed at how many of these complete strangers donated to the cause. Several waiters and waitresses even donated their tips to Angel Tree!
“I felt God’s presence with me every day and He led me to many wonderful Christians who gave me meals and places to stay at little or no charge,” says Jeff. Some hotels even offered special low rates because Jeff was riding for charity. When he couldn’t find a hotel, Jeff camped out wherever he could find a safe place.
About half-way through his trip, Jeff met a woman who had been in prison several years earlier. “She started to cry and told me that her own children had received Christmas presents from Angel Tree and how much that meant to her,” Jeff recalls. “I was thankful God allowed me to personally meet someone who had been helped by the very ministry I was riding to support!”
Along with collecting money on the road, Jeff sent a letter to members of his home church, The Village Church of Barrington, and community members. Even in a tough economy, he received donations from church members, friends, and teachers and coaches from Barrington High School, where Jeff is now in his senior year.
“What Jeff did this summer was amazing to us,” says Deborah Varwig, Jeff’s mother. “Since it was his last summer home before his senior year of high school, he wanted to do something that really helped other people. He chose Angel Tree because it is making such a positive difference in the lives of so many children.”
Funds Raised Serve 350 Children
Jeff raised over $2,000 for Angel Tree and is still collecting money. The money Jeff raised is being matched by an Angel Tree donor, resulting in over $4,000 raised! These donations will bring Christmas to the homes of more than 350 children of imprisoned parents. Jeff even paid all of his trip expenses out of his own pocket so that 100 percent of the donations received could go directly to helping kids in need.
“I pray that God will use these donations to make a life-changing difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families for His great glory!” says Jeff.
Jeff, now 18 years old, is an honors student and a National Merit Scholar. He is working hard to complete his college applications and interviews, and plans to study history and political science. Jeff is also very interested in a public service career.
Wherever the road leads, Jeff’s generous heart is bound to touch lives for God’s kingdom. And memories from his summer adventure will likely propel him and those he encounters to make a positive difference in the world around them.