VIDALIA, La. – As of Monday, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office had collected 150 bicycles to distribute to needy families.

But that is slightly fewer bicycles than the office had received at this time last year, and it needs at least 50 more in the next week to meet the area’s need.

&uot;Usually, we need at least 200 bikes, so we need people to bring more by if they can,&uot; said Kathleen Stevens, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.

Those who have bicycles, tricycles or other riding toys that are not being used are being encouraged to drop them off at the Sheriff’s Office shop.

The shop is located behind the new courthouse at 4001 Carter Street in Vidalia.

There, inmates will repair and revamp the toys, which will then be given to needy children from toddler age through 12 years old throughout Concordia Parish, according to Sheriff Randy Maxwell.

And nothing contributed will go to waste. For example, bicycles that cannot be repaired will be used for spare parts.

So far, the Sheriff’s Office has taken almost 50 applications for bicycles.

After some bicycles are set aside for the Natchez Children’s Home and the Concordia Christmas Charity Fund, remaining toys will be tagged.

On Dec. 20, Sheriff’s Office workers will call recipients, notifying them to pick up their bicycles on Dec. 21 or 22, Stevens said.

Meanwhile, monetary donations to be used to purchase parts and paint can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office in room 7 of the new courthouse.

For more information, call Jenny Blunschi or Stevens at the Sheriff’s Office at 336-5231, (318) 757-3162 or (318) 386-2200.