Editor’s note: This is the third in a multi-part series highlighting the needs of area non-profit agencies during the holiday season.

VIDALIA — The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office is once again taking donations for its Christmas trikes and bikes program.

Started by former Concordia Parish sheriff Randy Maxwell in 1990, new Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick is keeping the tradition alive.

“It’s a great idea and any time you can help your community, it’s a good thing,” Hedrick said.

Since the beginning of November, trusties from the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility have been repairing donated bicycles, tricycles and scooters that will be given to families in need in late December.

CPSO administrative assistant Donna Jones said the Christmas bike drive is popular in the Miss-Lou as well as among the staff.

“Some employees have donated bikes or money,” Jones said. “Everyone seems to enjoy the program every year.”

This year’s goal is to collect 300 bikes, and Jones said they currently need 100-150 more bikes to meet that goal.

Last year, the sheriff’s office distributed just under 300 bicycles to families in need.

Jones said the bikes can be in any condition. Some will be refurbished and others will be used as parts.

Anyone wishing to donate a used bicycle or tricycle can drop it off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. behind the sheriff’s office at 4001 Carter St., Vidalia.

“You don’t even have to get out,” Jones said. “Someone will be there to get it out for you.”

Jones said they were also accepting monetary donations.

“Trusties use other bikes for parts, but we do have to purchase some new parts,” Jones said.

Monetary donations can be mailed to CPSO Bike Program, Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, 4001 Carter St., Room 7, Vidalia, LA 71373.

Any families interested in applying for a bicycle or tricycle can pick up an application at the sheriff’s office from Dec. 5 to 14.

Only children ages 15 and under are eligible. The bicycles will be issued from Dec. 17 to 21.

For more information, call the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-336-5231.

“We are always looking for ways to help the community, and this is one of those ways,” Jones said.

How you can help: Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office distributes bikes to needy children in the Miss-Lou area.

Donations of bicycles, tricycles and scooters in any condition and monetary donations for new parts are needed.

Donations can be taken to the sheriff’s office at 4001 Carter St. Call 318-336-5231 for more information.