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50 children receive bikes from Fla. police for Christmas

The Leesburg Police Department has been giving away bikes for the past 21 years

By Debbie Manis
Orlando Sentinel

LEESBURG, Fla. Police officers and volunteers delivered 50 bicycles and other gifts to underprivileged children in the Leesburg area today.

The Leesburg Police Department has been giving away bikes for the past 21 years. The department used to give away lost or confiscated, but 10 years ago they decided to buy new bicycles.

Walmart also contributes funding and bicycles and Amscot donates bike helmets.

Representatives from the police department spent two days recently to assemble all of the bikes. Each person can build a single bicycle in about 20 minutes depending on the model.

“This gives us an opportunity to reach out and touch a child’s life in a positive manner,” said Senior Police Officer Mike Howard.

Copyright 2013 The Orlando Sentinel