Secret Santa & Center PD Spread the Spirit of Christmas

Two officers were given the opportunity to spread the spirit of Christmas this holiday season thanks to a $1,000 donation from an anonymous business man in Center on Tuesday, December 23, 2014.

Sgt Duane Gordon said, "A local business man came by the Center Police Department and approached the Chief of Police (Jim Albers) in regarding to a 'Secret Santa' program at which time he gave the Center Police Department $1,000 to be distributed throughout the city to city and county residents in the spirit of Christmas."

According to Sgt Gordon, the anonymous donor said they were inspired by recent stories in the news such as layaway angels and wanted to bring the Christmas spirit of giving unconditionally to Center.

Sgt Gordon and Sgt Scotty Burkhalter took to the streets of Center randomly selecting unsuspecting shoppers and travelers to give them $100. Sgt Gordon pulled several vehicles over as they were pulling into various parking lots and presented them with a gift from Secret Santa.

Sgt Burkhalter went inside Brookshire Brothers and Walmart where shoppers were steadily passing by. He would approach the shopper as they were checking out and would let them know that Secret Santa was going to buy their groceries.

Those receiving the $100 gifts were extremely grateful. Some were quiet and a little shocked to say the least, others responded with great big hugs, some shed a few tears, but all felt the Christmas spirit around them. Thank you Secret Santa.

Special thanks to Chief Albers for allowing his officers to help Secret Santa deliver Christmas joy.

Merry Christmas to all!