Hundreds of area children are expected to receive bicycles this Christmas thanks to the annual Bikes for Tykes effort.

Bikes can be dropped off at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, where Matt Johnson, general manager, described Bikes for Tykes as a “wonderful program.”

“To see a little kid’s face light up because he got a new bike for Christmas is really something special,” Johnson said. “Obviously, it wouldn’t be possible without the great support from community members and local businesses.”

The goal this year is to get more than 400 bicycles donated, according to Johnson, who added that this week is the last to donate bikes.

“The last few days we’ve gotten lots of bikes,” Johnson said. “The Fort Dodge Fire Department got 10 (Friday) morning. They came in with the fire trucks and all the crew out.”

While Johnson said that local businesses and community members have been generous with their donations, he has been really impressed with the children who have donated.

“We’ve had young children who have gotten bicycles in the past,” Johnson said. “It really meant so much to them, they come back the following year and pour their chore money for a bike because they want to pay it forward and help somebody else out.”

The bikes will be displayed in the showroom at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota until they are ready to be given to children.

Johnson said anybody is welcome to donate a bike.

“Just bring it into the showroom here,” he said. “From there everything gets taken care of.”

Even if someone can’t physically bring the bike, Johnson said the dealership will help.

“You can call us,” he said, “and we would help coordinate delivery as well.”