BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO/Gray News) – Police officers in Kentucky surprised drivers with an early Christmas gift instead of a ticket.
According to the Glasgow Police Department, its officers were handing out $100 to a few drivers who were pulled over for minor traffic violations ahead of the holiday.
“Most people were obviously thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m getting a ticket.’ So, when they pulled over, they were a little anxious and nervous,” Glasgow Police Officer John Wallen said. “But what they didn’t realize was that we were going to bless them this Christmas with $100.”
In total, $2,500 was given away, all done through River Lake Church’s budgeting and donations from the congregation as part of their Let Hope In initiative.
“Let Hope In is our introduction to Christmas for us as a church and for the community, where we point ourselves out and look for ways that we can really benefit Glasgow and show them how much we love them,” Jamie Bennett, associate pastor with River Lake Church, said.
According to Bennett, his favorite part of the collaboration is hearing people’s stories after they’ve been given the money.
“We’ve heard of bills being paid when people had no idea how it was going to happen,” he said. “It’s just a great way to show them how much God loves them and give them sort of an easy into the gospel because most of these projects end with an invite to our Christmas services.”
Organizers said the event also works to showcase the heart of Glasgow police and helps strengthen community trust in officers.
“We would take a bullet for any of these citizens. If it came to it, we would stand in a line for them and protect them,” Wallen said. “So being able to be a part of a situation like this where it helps strengthen the community aspect and have them see that we’re just here to help them, I’m excited about that.”
The next major event in the Let Hope In initiative will be held at Glasgow Square on Dec. 20.
“It’s a huge blessing just to have that moment where you realize somebody cares,” Bennet said.
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