Sheriff's Deputy Chad Mann said application deadline for the bicycles is Monday, December 2, so at this point deputies are unsure how many bicycles they will need to buy for this Christmas.
"In addition to the bicycle, we make sure the kids are safe by providing a bicycle helmet, and we also try to give them another little gift to go along with it," said Mann.
The Christmas Bicycle Program is coordinated by the Courthouse Division of the Sheriff's Office, according to Mann.
He said the Sheriff's Office has opted for a bicycle giveaway because there's something special about getting a bicycle at Christmas.
"Some of the fondest memories of Christmas...are that first big gift that you got from Santa Claus," said Mann. "I can remember waking up on Christmas morning to a bicycle and that's probably one of my fondest memories."
Mann said they do not take used bicycles as donations. They use monetary donations to purchase brand new bicycles from WalMart in Gainesville, and the store also partners with the program with other donations.
To make a donation or get further information on the Christmas Bicycle Program,
contact Captain Chris Matthews of Hall County Sheriff's Office Courthouse Division at (770)531-7095.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/11/268261