VIDALIA — Santa could use a little help this year as he and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office prepare hundreds of bicycles for needy children in the parish.

The sheriff’s office is asking residents to donate monetary contributions for its “Trikes and Bikes” program, which was started in 1990.

Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick said the tradition has provided many memorable Christmas moments for families in need throughout the parish.

“We work all year to make sure children have something under the Christmas tree,” Hedrick said. “We want to do whatever we can to make sure we keep that going.”

Throughout the year, trusties from the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility prepare donated bicycles, tricycles and scooters that will soon be given to families in need in late December.

The sheriff’s office receives donated bicycles from local residents, but Hedrick said new parts are almost always needed.

“We appreciate all the bicycles we’ve been donated, but some of these need some work to make them safe for the children,” Hedrick said. “That’s where the money for new tire tubes, parts and other things are needed to get these bicycles repaired and under the tree by Christmas.”

Hundreds of bicycles ranging from mountain bikes to cruisers sit behind the parish courthouse ready to be repaired or taken apart for parts.

“It doesn’t matter what shape the bicycle is in,” Hedrick said. “If it can’t be repaired, the trusties can use the parts on another bike.”

The trusties have received and worked on nearly 150 bicycles.

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 through Dec. 13.

The bicycles will be issued Dec. 16 through 20.

For more information, call the sheriff’s office at 318-336-5231.