This is the eighth in a series of stories highlighting charitable giving and the agencies in need in the Miss-Lou.

VIDALIA — When you’re a child, a bicycle is more than just a toy — it’s a vehicle for great adventures, and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure that less fortunate children are able to have those adventures.

For nearly two decades, the CPSO has had a holiday bicycle giveaway program, in which Concordia Parish residents donate used bicycles to be given to local children.

Before they are given away, parish inmates refurbish the bicycles and make any repairs that are needed.

Sheriff Randy Maxwell said the bicycle donation is an easy gesture that doesn’t cost the giver anything.

“If (residents) will have just a minute to check their yards and garages, often there’s an old bike or two that no one has used in years,” Maxwell said. “Even if it’s a little rusty, we can fix that up and make a child happy.”

But the donations don’t have to be limited to bicycles. Tricycles, wagons or other riding toys that can still be repaired can be donated.

Even those bicycles that are beyond repair themselves can be donated for spare parts.

Those who want a bicycle ask for one by filling out an application at the CPSO’s office in Room 7 of the parish courthouse.

Applications are being taken through Dec. 12, and the bicycles will be distributed Dec. 15-19.

Those who wish to donate a bicycle may drop it off at the Concordia Parish Courthouse, located at 4001 Carter St., in Vidalia at any time during the day or early evening hours.

Monetary donations for paint and other bicycle repair supplies may be mailed to CPSO Bike Program, Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, 4001 Carter St., Room 7, Vidalia, La. 71373.