Exceeding the speed limit through a small town in West Virginia this holiday season may have wound up costing a doll, a game, a toy or a gift card.
Instead of cold, hard cash, Ranson Police said they would much rather get something fun they can stuff into a big red sack and deliver to area children who would otherwise not have a very nice Christmas.
Motorists stopped for speeding between Nov. 19 and Dec. 16 were explained the deal – come into the police station with toys or other items worth at least $35, and the ticket is considered paid in full.
“We’re over-whelmed by the response. Never in our dreams did we ever think this would go over as well as it has,” said Capt. Mick Ballenger, who often dons the red suit to make deliveries.
You don’t have oo racing through their municipality just outside Charles Town to participate, either. “People hearing about our program come in here with all kinds of stuff,” Ballenger said, adding that a local contractor always gives more than $250 in gift cards.
Among the items handed out this year included bikes, CD players, radios, clothes, games, CDs, models and stuffed animals. The officers wrap each present, and use color-coded stickies to keep track of what’s in the package.
“We had more than a dozen bikes to give out. This really does bring the best out in people,” Ballenger said, adding that there were so many donations this year that every child received three or four gifts.
Officer Patrick Norris drove “Santa” to a house trailer on Friday afternoon to visit four children who live with their grandparents.
“I told them we were giving Rudolph a break,” Norris said, laughing. “They were really excited to see Santa.”
Ballenger said the kids’ eyes lit up when they saw their presents. “That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “They’re living with grandparents…There was just this little, tiny tree…”
Throughout the year, Ranson officers are on the lookout for families with children who may need help. “We’ll get the parents aside, and explain the program. They give us their kids’ Christmas wish list,” Norris said.
The program, now in its third year, won the approval of the mayor and council who understood the officers wanted to help fill a void.
“It’s probably costing the town at least $10,000,” the captain said. “But, we all think it’s worth it.”
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