The Christmas Bicycle Program was established in 1997 by Captain Ramone Gilbert, Court Services Commander, in effort for Hall County Sheriff's Office Deputies and staff to have a more established community outreach. Little did he know that it would become so much more. This program is funded only by deputies, staff, and this year the Alumni of the Sheriff's Citizens Academy.

 

                Yearly, after donations are tallied, Court Services Deputies and staff purchase as many bicycles as possible with those donations.  In the fall of 2005, a goal of $2,000 was set and accomplished; this has been by far the highest year in donations. It is the hope of the Hall County Sheriff's Office to continue to surpass this in the years to come.

 

                The main purpose this program was created is so that every child possible will be able to have something he or she can call their own on Christmas morning. What better than a brand new bicycle and helmet. The Court Services Division contacts area churches, schools, CASA and the Gateway House to establish contact information of families that may have a need for this program. After which, families are contacted and explained the fundamentals of the program. Finally, parents are given the option to either have the bicycle delivered to their homes or to make arrangements to collect the bicycle themselves.

 

                If you are interested in obtaining further information concerning this program, please contact Sandy Garrett in the Court Services Division at 770-531-7090 or via e-mail at sgarrett@hallcounty.org or Captain Gilbert at rgilbert@hallcounty.org