SALISBURY — For 23 years, the Salisbury Police Department has given out brand new bicycles to children in need throughout the community, and though the main sponsor has changed, this year was no exception to the program.

Monday morning, officers, volunteers from the city, members of the Salisbury Police Foundation and representatives from Cloninger Automotive Group, the primary sponsor, gathered to load up the bikes onto trailers and into the backs of pickups before heading out to deliver them, one family at a time.

The program was started by Gerry and Brenda Wood, of the former Gerry Wood Auto Group, who were inspired by their son, a Canadian police officer, to do something to benefit both their community and their police department. In 2000, the Woods purchased more than 100 bicycles for children who reside within the city limits. SPD officers, departmental civilian staff, department chaplains, police cadets and police volunteers delivered the bikes.

December of 2022 marked the Woods last year with the bike giveaway, and in 2023, the Randy Marion Auto Group picked up the project. This year, thankfully, Larry Cloninger has carried on the tradition.

Before the group began loading up the bikes, Police Chief Patrick “PJ” Smith and Larry Cloninger both offered words of encouragement.

“You’re going to get to see things today that stay with you forever,” said Smith. “The smiles on the faces of these kids and even the reaction of parents, they’ll stay with you. Today is truly about the season of giving.” Smith has said each year that he loves that the department can give such a gift to children who otherwise wouldn’t receive one.

Cloninger said he had invited the Woods to participate but they are out of town.

“I know this is a lot of work for you, who already do so much,” he told officers. “In your jobs, you serve others, and provide leadership, two essential roles. Jesus served others, and who are we not to continue that. You are the perfect example of service to community.”

This year, the department delivered 150 bicycles and helmets, and if there were younger siblings, they received teddy bears so they didn’t feel left out.

In order to be eligible, children must be Salisbury residents, be between the ages of five and 14, and be at their homes on the day of delivery. They also can only receive a bike once.

“The Christmas holiday can be difficult for families who are facing tough choices between food, shelter and toys,” Smith said. “I’m excited that Salisbury police are able to participate each year, bringing some holiday cheer to our Salisbury youth.”

Smith joined his officers in delivering several of the bikes Monday morning, although the two young girls at the first delivery were still asleep when Smith arrived.

“Hate to wake you up, but I think these are for you,” he said when they came to the door.

Sgt. Meredith Walker brought her young son along to help make the deliveries, and his enthusiasm was contagious as he insisted on pushing the new bicycles up to the doorways.

“I love that he wants to help,” she said.

And he made sure the delivery group left each house with a resounding “Merry Christmas!”