Sheriff’s Office seeks donations for 37th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway

By Paso Robles Press · Sun Nov 15 2026

Applications for children in need are due Nov. 19; bicycles and new helmets will be distributed Dec. 9

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is seeking bicycle, helmet, and monetary donations for its 37th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway, continuing a holiday tradition that began in 1989. The program provides refurbished bicycles and new helmets to children in need throughout the county. This year’s giveaway is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 9 a.m., with applications due Thursday, Nov. 19.

Families who know a child age 15 or younger in need of a bicycle can find an application at slosheriff.org. Select “Community Resources” at the top of the homepage, then “Forms and Applications” from the dropdown menu.

Donated bicycles needing repairs are taken to the Sheriff’s Office Honor Farm, where incarcerated people refurbish them for distribution. In addition to helping local children, the program gives participants an opportunity to develop repair skills and contribute to the community. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the work helps promote a positive work ethic, self-respect, and a sense of worth.

Children’s bicycles are especially needed because of high demand, although adult bicycles are also accepted. The department is also requesting new helmets in their original packaging and financial contributions to purchase bicycles, replacement parts, and helmets.

Individuals and businesses may drop off bicycles and new helmets at Sheriff’s Office patrol stations in Templeton, Los Osos, and Oceano, or at the Sheriff’s Honor Farm on Highway 1.

Checks may be mailed to:

Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation
Attn: Bicycle Fund
P.O. Box 3752
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

The Sheriff’s Office credited community generosity with sustaining the program for nearly four decades. It also thanked the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation, Bike SLO County’s Bike Kitchen, The Sandlot Group of San Luis Obispo, the San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Cal Poly police departments, Waste Connections, Paso Robles Target, and the County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency for their continued support and donations.