SALISBURY, N.C., (Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016) -- Thanks to the Salisbury Police Department’s (SPD) relationship with Gerry Wood Auto Group, Christmas will come early for many youngsters throughout the City of Salisbury. The SPD has, once again, partnered with Gerry Wood Auto Group to conduct its 14th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway program. The program is intended to serve underprivileged children within the city limits of Salisbury by delivering a bicycle to those who might otherwise receive very little or, perhaps, nothing at all for Christmas.

A total of 125 bicycles and helmets will be distributed before Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 22, by Salisbury Police Officers, departmental civilian staff, department Chaplains, Police Cadets, and police volunteers. Children residing in the home where a bike is delivered, but who are too young to receive a bicycle, will receive a teddy bear instead. The teddy bears are also being made possible thanks to the car dealership.

In order to determine the recipients of the bicycles, applications must be completed by a parent or guardian. Applications may be found at the Salisbury Police Department, as well as various other locations throughout the City of Salisbury. Deadline for application submission to the Police Department is Friday, Dec. 2, 2016

“We are extremely grateful to Gerry Wood Auto Group for making this event possible from a financial standpoint” said Police Chief Jerry Stokes. “This program is something that our officers and staff look forward to every year, as it gives us the opportunity to interact with our youth in a positive and uplifting manner. It also provides the opportunity for citizens to see another example of the genuine care and compassion that their police department has for the community we serve.”