Police give out gift cards instead of tickets for Random Acts of Kindness Day

ST. ALBANS, WV (WOWK) — The holiday season is a time of joy for many families, but it can also be a financial burden. That’s why the St. Albans Police Department teamed up with The 25177 Foundation on Saturday to hand out gift cards instead of citations.

The day was all arranged as a part of the organization’s “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” Organizer and Delegate Walter Hall said that the purpose of the day is to bring a sense of relief to those who may be in need.

“To be able to offer out a small amount of kindness, the emotion that comes out is tears,” Hall said.

During a ride along between a 13 News reporter and a patrolman, three gift cards were passed out to three different drivers.

“He turned off and flashed his lights at me, and I thought for sure oh I’m gonna get a ticket. But, I parked and he came up and he was so sweet and he told me that he wasn’t stopping me for anything, but he wanted to give me this card, and this card is a 25 dollar gift card,” Hope Hannas said.

The acts of kindness didn’t stop there. After passing out gift cards, the patrolman went to the local grocery store, where the organization’s leaders and officers surprised shoppers while they were out doing some last minute pickups.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before in my life. It’s a blessing, it’s a true blessing,” said Kroger shopper Tina Machuca.

“I am 77 years old and I have never had that happen to me, I think that is wonderful. I mean I try to help people but when someone turns around and tries to help you, I mean that is just fantastic,” shopper Brenda Stevens said.

The goal of the event is to create a bond between law enforcement and the community that they serve while getting in the holiday spirit.