By Ian Parkinson
SLO County Sheriff
The holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something about it that shows us what truly matters: kindness, generosity, and community. Every year, I’m reminded just how special San Luis Obispo County is when I see how our residents come together to help one another. At the Sheriff’s Office, one of the ways we share in that spirit is through a tradition that’s close to my heart, the Christmas Bicycle Giveaway.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the program, and it’s incredible to look back at how far it’s come. It started as a small idea. To give a few bikes to kids who might not otherwise have one. Today, hundreds of children across the county receive a bicycle and a helmet each year, thanks to the kindness of this community. And every time I see a child’s face light up when they realize that bike is theirs, I’m reminded why we do this.
But what many people don’t realize is that the Christmas Bicycle Giveaway is a year-round effort. The magic doesn’t just happen in December. It starts with you. We rely on donations from community members who drop off bicycles they no longer use, whether they’re brand new or in need of some TLC. Every single bike makes a difference. Because of your generosity, we’re now able to collect and restore bikes all throughout the year.
Once those bikes come in, they’re sent to the Sheriff’s Honor Farm, where the real transformation takes place. Inmates there spend months refurbishing the donated bicycles, cleaning them up, replacing parts, and getting them ready for their new owners. In the process, they’re learning valuable hands-on skills and, just as importantly, discovering the pride that comes from giving back. It’s a program that changes lives on both sides. Last year alone, we were able to give away over 300 bikes to children in need.
If you’d like to take part in this effort, we gladly accept bike donations at any of our patrol stations in Templeton, Los Osos, and Oceano, or directly at the Honor Farm off Highway 1 near Cuesta College. Each donation, no matter the size, helps make a child’s holiday a little brighter.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local partners. I want to personally thank Bike SLO County (Bike Kitchen), The Sandlot Group of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Police Department, Paso Robles Police Department, Cal Poly Police Department, Waste Connections, County of SLO Health Agency, and the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation for all they do.
This year’s giveaway will take place on December 10 at the Sheriff’s Honor Farm, and it’s a day I look forward to every year. There’s truly nothing like seeing a child’s excitement when they receive their bicycle. It’s a pure, joyful moment. And one that reminds me just how strong our community is when we come together.
As this year comes to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. This community makes me proud every single day, and I feel honored to be part of it. And so, from everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office, may your holidays be safe and filled with peace, health, and happiness.
