The Salisbury Police is accepting applications for its annual Christmas Bicycle giveaway program.
The police department will again this year partner with Gerry Wood Auto Group for the 12th annual giveaway that serves underprivileged children. The bicycles are given to children who live within the Salisbury city limits and might otherwise receive little or nothing for Christmas.
This year, 125 bicycles and helmets will be distributed Dec. 20 to the homes of those eligible to receive a bike.
“We are extremely grateful to Gerry Wood Auto Group for making this event possible from a financial standpoint. This program is something that our officers and staff look forward to every year, as it gives us the opportunity to interact with our youth in a positive and uplifting manner,” said Police Chief Rory Collins.
Collins said it also provides the opportunity for citizens to see another example of the “genuine care and compassion that their police department has for the community we serve.”
Those children residing in the home where a bike is delivered but who are too young to receive a bicycle will receive a teddy bear instead. The car dealership is also providing the stuffed animals.
Salisbury Police officers, department civilian staff, chaplains, police cadets and police volunteers will distribute the bicycles.
In order to determine the recipients of the bicycles, applications must be completed by a parent or guardian. The applications may be obtained at the Salisbury Police Department, 130 E. Liberty St., Salisbury. Applications are to be returned Monday, Dec. 2.