The elves in Santa's workshop at the North Pole have nothing on Earl Wright.

The man affectionately known at "Mr. Earl" is still hard at work, creating dreams-come-true for area children.

Wright is responsible for making Christmas a little brighter for hundreds of needy children through his Project Santa, which collects, repairs and refurbishes unwanted bikes and then distributes them to children on Christmas Day.

But as Christmas nears, donations of gently used, new or even old bikes are still needed to meet the demand, which seems to grow each year.

Bill Smith Mazda, 10999 U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines, across from Walmart, is the official drop-off point for the bikes this year. Bikes can also be dropped off at Santa's workshop, 291 South Mechanic St., Southern Pines.

Also accepted are cash donations, which are used to buy new bikes, oil, tires and chains or whatever Wright needs to get the bicycles ready to be given away. Cash donations can be made to Project Santa at Wells Fargo Bank.

"Mr. Earl" and his helpers will distribute the bicycles from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Christmas Day at Bo's Food Store, 750 SW Broad St., Southern Pines.

Children of all ages are welcome to come pick up a bicycle free of charge. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are asked to bring two nonperishable food items in exchange for a bike. All donated food will be given to the Sandhills Food Bank.

For more information, call (910) 639-9506 or (910) 639-4048.