LPSO readies for 21st bike giveaway

The Lafourche Parish sheriff’s deputies are working for smiles this holiday season, but they need the community’s help.

The LPSO started a bicycle giveaway program 21 years ago, brightening more than 3,300 children’s Christmas. Last year, more than 200 bikes were donated to the program. This year, the LPSO hopes to exceed that number.

“Despite the new technology in recent years, a bicycle continues to be one of those timeless gifts that parents see on their child’s wish list,” Sheriff Craig Webre said.

Department spokesman Deputy Brennan Matherne still remembers a Christmas when he was 12 and he received a 24-inch blue mountain bike.

“I mainly used it to travel up and down my street in Larose where five of my friends lived. I think the excitement of a bike is obviously how large of a gift it is compared to, say, an MP3 player, but also, that sense of freedom you get on a bicycle is comparable to that of the first time you drive a car,” he said.

This will be Matherne’s fourth year distributing the bicycles, and he said it is one of the most rewarding experiences in his line of work.

“For the most part, the children are in school, so the only reaction is usually one of gratitude by the parents or grandparents who receive the donated bicycle,” the deputy said. “Last year, I recall that one woman was reduced to tears when we delivered a bike that her child would otherwise not have received as a Christmas gift. Two years ago, a child had stayed home from school because he was ill, but his spirits were definitely lifted when he saw us drive up. We were able to see him take his new bicycle for a test drive, all the while with a huge smile on his face. That’s probably one of the best memories I have in recent years.”

“It is an absolute pleasure for us to provide such a blessing for families in need, helping to brighten their holidays,” Weber said.

New or used bicycles can be dropped at any LPSO location. Checks or cash donations to go toward purchasing bikes are also accepted.

“This program is possible thanks to the community,” Webre said. “Each year, our hearts are touched by the donations we receive.”

For more information or to submit the name of a child in need, contact Cpt. Dean Savoie at 985-632-5843. Provide the child’s age, gender, address and a phone number.