Rachel Shriver hands a Polaroid picture to Izzy Burke after she was given her bike from the Wood County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

PARKERSBURG — Fifty bikes were given to children in need in the community on Saturday at the Judge Black Annex in downtown Parkersburg in the annual Wood County Deputy Sheriffs Association’s Bikes for Tykes program.

For 15 years, the association has collected donations throughout the year for the Christmas time event, according to Vice President Sgt. Andy Shriver.

“It’s the main event we put on for Christmas time,” he said.

To find recipients, the association works with a federal branch of government.

“We reach out to the Department of Health and Human Resources for contacts for kids that are in need,” Shriver said.

Each bike is paired with a goody bag of books, coloring books, hand lotion and other items.

“We tried to dial it back on the candy,” said Shriver.

Helmets and bike locks were given to the children to accompany their new bikes.

Santa Claus joined the association helping the kids enjoy their new bikes. The kids also were given the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and their new bike.

Wood County 911 Dispatcher Rachel Shriver was taking pictures with a Polaroid camera, so the children were able to get theirs immediately and take it home, free of charge.