The PMZ Real Estate offices in Turlock donated 23 brand new bicycles to the Salvation Army on Thursday to be gifted to less fortunate children this Christmas.

According to Laith Warda, real estate agent for PMZ, 23 brand new bikes were collected by PMZ Real Estates’ two Turlock locations, on Geer Road and Fulkerth Road, in only eight days.

Warda said the manager sent an email to the PMZ agents asking they try to purchase bikes for those less fortunate this holiday season. All of the bikes were purchased by the PMZ agents.

Each year, PMZ collects and donates toys for Toys for Tots, but Warda said the bikes were separate drive from the toys they’ve been collecting.

PMZ plans to begin their bike drive a little earlier next year in hopes of collecting more bikes.

“Next year we hope to double the amount,” said Warda.

PMZ’s 23 bikes were donated to the Salvation Army on Thursday, increasing the total number of bike donations to more than 70 this year.

The more than 70 bikes donated to the Salvation Army may be the most ever, said Salvation Army Turlock Director Major Debi Shrum.

The bikes will be distributed through Turlock Together on distribution day, which is this Saturday.

Shrum says approximately 1,800 less fortunate families will be given food and toys through the annual program.