Police in Chester Twp. help deliver 100 bikes to kids in need

CHESTER TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- 'Twas the night before Christmas and gifts still needed to be delivered.

Fortunately, some Chester Township Police officers were there to help Santa deliver dozens of bicycles to families in need.

Families like Rosalind Burton - she's raising her two great-grandchildren

"I'm quite sure they will be very happy. They are very happy little girls but to have a gift like this given to them, I'm quite sure their smile will be even bigger," said Burton.

It's all possible through a charity called Santa's Wheels, founded by Peg Trill and her brother.

"For me, on each of those bikes - there's a face on that. On Christmas morning they will come down and be so happy that they have a gift from Santa and they will feel loved," said Peg Trill.

They work with donors to come up with the bikes and then they partner with the Chester Township Police to find families who could use them.

The department then loads the bikes onto a large city truck and it's off to deliver them.

Part of the arrangement is the children have to be in bed when the bikes are delivered to the parents - who are up and waiting on the special delivery.

"It's for my grandson Darius - such a blessing. Township cops are the best, I appreciate it because I couldn't afford to get it," said Ellen Davis.

From door-to-door, the officers spread the holiday cheer and brighten a family's home.

The idea of collecting and giving away bikes started as a thought during a moment of grief Trill and her brother experienced. They lost their mother to cancer on Christmas Day, so giving back to others was a way to get their own joy back.

"I was looking to find that joy to put back into Christmas again because it was sad," said Trill.

Santa's Wheels has been rolling strong seven years now. The smiles keep coming for these families and for those who started it all.

"I think my mother would be very proud in heaven looking down," said Trill.