Holiday Cheer: These People Win the Holidays for Being Such Mensches
Faith in humanity? Restored.
— -- Need a little holiday cheer? Don't let the winter doldrums discourage you from kind acts and generosity, including cops who dole out gifts instead of traffic tickets.
Find some inspiration for your own good deeds in these examples of people winning the holidays:
1. New York Man Gives Kids $100 Shopping Sprees
About 200 children at a Walmart in Farmingdale, New York, were treated to a $100 shopping spree from a local resident Tom Gubotosi, who donated $20,000 in honor of his late mother, who loved children. Gubotosi has supported these shopping sprees for the nonprofit EAC Network for the last 15 years, according to ABC's New York station WABC.
2. Michigan Police Surprise Drivers With Presents
Drivers stopped by police in Lowell, Michigan, were pleasantly surprised to receive gifts, not tickets. For two days, officers who pulled drivers over for minor violations, like tinted windows, would ask citizens for their Christmas wishes, all taped and funded by family friendly cable channel UPTV. A team waited at a nearby store to pick up items from drivers' wish lists, including toys and televisions, ABC affiliate WZZM reported. Then the police officer would gift the item to the car that was stopped, all within 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Massachusetts Cops Treat Kids in Need
Dozens of police officers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, treated 26 children to lunch and $200 gift cards for the annual "Shop with Cops" program. Children shopped at the Hyannis Sports Authority for items like winter gear and sports equipment, Boston ABC affiliate WCVB reported.
4. NFL Player Spends $16,266.26 for Kids' Shopping Spree
Earlier this month, Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson played Santa Claus by offering his annual shopping spree for kids. This year, he spent $16,266.26 worth of toys for 11 children in the care of Child Protective Services, ESPN reported. At Toys "R" Us, he gave them each 80 seconds to place what they could in shopping carts. He's been hosting shopping sprees for kids since 2007.