NATCHEZ — Not all of Santa’s toys are made in a workshop at the North Pole.

With the help of local residents, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office is using its workshop to fix hundreds of bicycles for needy families in the parish.

The sheriff’s office is asking residents to donate bicycles, tricycles and monetary donations for its “Trikes and Bikes” program — a tradition that was started more than 20 years ago.

“The bicycle program has always been a favorite for Concordia Parish families,” CPSO Chief Deputy David Hedrick said. “This program provides bicycles to families who are experiencing financial difficulties.”

“The joy on the kid’s face after receiving a bicycle is priceless,” Hedrick said.

Currently, the office is accepting donated bicycles from the community for this Christmas.

Throughout the year, trusties from the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility repair and restore donated bicycles from local residents.

“The program has always been very successful because Concordia Parish citizens are big givers when it comes to helping kids out,” Hedrick said. “As with previous years, we expect this year to be a big success.”

Hedrick said the Natchez Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office have also helped by donating old bikes and parts.

CPSO spokesman Marilyn Forman said the office will accept bikes, no matter the condition.

Forman said the CPSO currently has 100 to 150 bikes, but will always accept more.

“We will accept any bike and use it for parts on other bikes,” Forman said.

Monetary donations are also used to buy new tire tubes, parts and other things needed to the get the bikes ready for Christmas.

Forman said the office will also accept other toys such as tricyles and scooters.

Forman said any family interested in applying for a bicycle or tricycle can register from Dec. 10-14. Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays at the sheriff’s office on the second floor of the Concordia Parish Courthouse on Carter Street.

Bicycles will be issued Dec. 19 through 21 at the shop area behind the courthouse.

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

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