I like to build unconventional bikes from discarded material. Early in my adventures seeking out parts on the cheap I would go to yard sales and flea markets to buy old bikes. This worked but the costs added up and it took a lot of time.
Then a bike-riding friend recommended I contact a group in town called BikeAthens. It turns out they were a source of endless parts and advice. You probably can find a similar source in your town.
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BikeAthens (Athens, GA) has a modest membership fee of $30 a year (http://www.bikeathens.com). They are interested in all kinds of alternative transportation issues and work with state and local agencies promoting their agenda.
The key feature for me was the BRP (Bicycle Recycling Program). This is where I found the motherload of bike parts and friendly advice on all kinds of bike construction issues.
The key feature for me was the BRP (Bicycle Recycling Program). This is where I found the motherload of bike parts and friendly advice on all kinds of bike construction issues.
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Also, I hate to be the one anal person in the comments who has to point this out but maybe change your title from "free bike parts" to "cheap bike parts" or maybe "how to get bike parts through volunteerism"? It sounds like you had to invest a lot of time, as well as some money (though $30 annually is admittedly a small amount) to get those parts.
You should also make an instructable on how you make bikes out of recycled/unconventional materials, I'm sure many people would be keen to try it.
There are other sources of free bikes and parts.
Our local landfill has a "take it or leave it" program. People with old bikes drop them off. People who want bikes pick them up. No charge in either direction. I've picked up a few good bikes to clean up, ride, and ultimately give away or sell, and have also grabbed a couple of junkers for parts.
Our local police department has their share of the 30,000 bicycles stolen annually in our area. They don't have a lot of storage space, so after 60 days unclaimed bikes are disposed of, to charities or recyclers, benefit auctions and the like. I've picked up a few. Depends on the policy of your municipality and local station.
the following is an article that the university news paper did on my project;
http://stoutonia-online.com/2011/09/08/menomonie-residents-get-wheels-turning-on-helping-community/
If anyone in the area knows where i can score some parts or bikes, or would like to get involved.. .the help would be much appreciated.
In Eugene, OR, you'd be heading over to CAT (Center for Appropriate Transport) - http://www.catoregon.org/ - to find used parts, advice, rentable bike workshop space and tools, and totally crazy hauling bikes.
http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/recycling-for-charity/recycling-for-charity-bicycles
Here is a link that should get you started: http://communitycycles.org/links/bike-collectives.html There are two coops listed in LA. They can lead you to others I am sure. Good luck and good parts hunting!