SALISBURY — The Salisbury Police Department has partnered with Gerry Wood Auto Group for its 15th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway.

The program is intended to serve underprivileged children within the city limits of Salisbury by delivering a bicycle to those who might otherwise receive little, or perhaps nothing, at Christmas.

Police Chief Jerry Stokes said the Police Department is grateful to Gerry Wood Auto Group for making the giveaway possible from a financial standpoint.

“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,” Stokes said.

A total of 140 bicycles and helmets will be distributed just before Christmas, on Dec. 21. Children who live in a 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 by the car dealership.

Salisbury police officers, members of the department’s civilian staff, department chaplains, police cadets, and police volunteers will make the Dec. 21 deliveries.

“Thanks to our partnership with Gerry Wood, Christmas will come early for many youngsters throughout the city of Salisbury,” Stokes said.

Recipients of the bicycles will be determined through applications completed by a parent or guardian. The applications can be found at the Salisbury Police Department, as well as other locations throughout the city.

The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 3.