Almost at the halfway mark, Advance Auto Parts and Dickess Auto Repair in Ironton are well on their way to meeting their goal for their Christmas bicycle giveaway.

Monday, the businesses had 47 bikes and big wheels stowed away for the Dec. 8 event.

Last year, Advance and Dickess Auto Repair gave away 32 bicycles in their first ever raffle. This year, 100 is the goal.

John Dickess said about $2,700 had been donated by businesses and individuals so far.

“And we still need that much to hit our goal,” he said. “I feel like we are going to hit it (the goal). This has just been one month and we’ve done this good.”

The bicycles have been purchased at the Ashland, Ky., Walmart and management there has given discounts for each bike sold.

“My favorite part is going to Walmart and buying them,” Dickess said. “And handing them out to the kids.”

The raffle box for the giveaway is set up inside Advance, and already getting full, Dickess said.

“Our box is getting full of names,” he said. “Sometimes there is a line to put names in the box.”

Last year, the bike giveaway was held in the store as well, but with a larger goal to meet, a new venue was needed. Dickess Ironton High School has offered the use of its auditorium for the event. And, like last year, Santa will be on hand to help distribute the gifts.

Contributors to the project so far are Charlie’s Tires, Gone Fishing, Collins Career Center, Sites Automotive and South Point Church of the Nazarene Choir, Clancy’s Auto Repair, American Lube and Dickess Tree Farm.

To donate or enter the drawing, visit either store located on Park Avenue.