More than 150 bicycles and helmets were handed out on December 15 just in time for Christmas.

Sheriff's Office Gives Away Over 150 Bikes for Christmas

Author: Sheriff's Office
Date: 12/27/2017 9:42:27 AM

The Sheriff's Office held its annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway on Dec. 15 and gave more than 150 bicycles and helmets to children from all over SLO County.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! On December 15, 2017, the Sheriff's Office held its annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway and gave more than 150 bicycles and helmets to children from all over San Luis Obispo County.

The County Sheriff’s Office Christmas Bike Program was set up 28 years ago to promote the holiday spirit by giving away refurbished bicycles and new helmets to underprivileged children in SLO County. Due to the generosity of the people of this county, the program has continued to be a big success.

The Sheriff’s Office Honor Farm is the assembly point for bicycles that are donated and in need of repair. Inmates who are housed at the Honor Farm make the repairs and gain a positive work ethic, self-respect and a sense of worth to the community. This year, the Sheriff's Office partnered with Bike SLO County, who provided a professional bike mechanic to mentor the inmates on repairing bicycles. Bike SLO County was on-site at the Dec. 15 event to provide helmet adjustments and talk to children about bike safety. 

Individuals, nonprofits and businesses also donated children’s bikes and helmets. The Sandlot Group of San Luis Obispo graciously agreed to purchase $10,000 worth of bikes from Arts Cyclery and donated all of them to the Sheriff’s Office Bicycle Program. The Sandlot Group is a local nonprofit organization that works toward building character, confidence and community for youth through sports. 

Families requested a bike from this event by filling out an application on the Sheriff's Office website. 

Donations to this program are accepted year-round. If you would like to make a monetary contribution for the purchase of parts or helmets, please send a check to:

Sheriff’s Advisory Council
Attn: Bicycle Fund
P.O. Box 3752
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

Get more news and information at www.slosheriff.org/archive.php.