North Port, Florida -- North Port Police set up at sting operation but instead of catching people breaking the law they caught people doing something good. NPPD helped 15 people who did a random act of kindness Tuesday.
Operation Santa Surprise brought one mother to tears.
‘Tis the season for giving.
Police volunteer 89-year-old Bill Greenham stands outside Walmart and sets the stage.
“I just let the bag go,” says Bill.
Without hesitation Melissa Whittington and her son Phillip stop to help.
“You OK? Feeling all right?” she asks Bill.
“Thank you very much,” he says.
Officer Joseph Fussell says, “It’s the definition of integrity doing things that are right without people watching. She didn’t know we were watching.”
North Port Police’s Operation Santa Surprise kicked in.
Bill says to Melissa, “I want to do something for you.”
“No — just glad you are OK,” she responds.
But Bill insists and asks what her son would like?
Melissa explains today is her son Phillip’s 9th birthday and she did not have money to buy him a birthday present, let alone Christmas presents. The money she did have Melissa just used at Walmart to buy Phillip a pair of prescription eyeglasses.
The Christmas surprise turns into a birthday surprise for Phillip. One of NPPD business partners and program sponsor Mike Morales with Quality TV insists on what Phillip would like for a gift.
“I’d like a skateboard,” says Phillip.
Melissa the mother of 4 breaks down into tears. Bill gives her a hug and says “That’s OK — it’ll work out.”
Morales, one of Santa’s helpers radios inside Walmart. Officers go shopping and wrap up a new skateboard and helmet.
Melissa says, “This shows kids especially as they grow up these officers are here to help you.”
“Thank you!” says Phillip.
There is something Santa would like in return.
“Since Santa did something good for you do it for somebody else,” says one of the North Port officers to Phillip. He replies, “Yep.”
Melissa says, “I can tell you we will pay this forward 110%. I’m totally overwhelmed completely thankful from the bottom of my heart.”
One random act of kindness made one boy’s birthday special.
NPPD first Operation Santa Surprise last week helped 11 drivers. Instead of getting a ticket for a driving violation they received a gift off their Christmas list.
