Modesto police giving ‘holiday tickets’

A Good Samaritan dropped off 50 Target gift cards at the Modesto Police Department recently. The person didn’t give his or her name, only instructions that the gift cards be given to people in unfortunate circumstances or in lieu of a ticket, said Lt. Jason Grogan.

“Wow, that’s amazing!” John Ginotti said Thursday when officer Eric Schuller handed him a gift card along with a “holiday ticket.” It looked very much like a real ticket but served as a warning that included the violation and safety tips; instead of a court date at the bottom was a message: “Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.”

Officers still lecture the recipient about safe driving and hope the positive experience will have more influence than a ticket on their driving in the future.

Like Ginotti, most recipients have been very surprised and appreciative. One woman even cried as she was so overjoyed by the generosity and a second chance.

While the majority were handed the $25 gift cards following traffic stops, officers were given the discretion to give them to anyone who who was deserving.

Grogan said one officer gave a gift card to a woman whose car was stolen; the car was recovered but the Christmas presents in the trunk were gone. Another officer gave one to a man who was panhandling. And an officer warmed the day of a man who had the bad fortune of walking by a large puddle in the road at the same time a vehicle drove through it.

Officers started handing out the holiday tickets and gift cards last week and will continue through Christmas Day.

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Modesto police giving ‘holiday tickets’."