Today officers and deputies with three local sheriff's departments were out in full force stopping hundreds of people. Across Duval, Clay and St. Johns County they set out on a mission, the 904 Secret Santa mission.
Instead of handing out tickets, Deputy Sheldon York with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office got to hand out $100 VISA gift cards, surprising people everywhere he went.
He and Santa's other helpers were given a mission by two anonymous donors who gave the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Clay County and St Johns County Sheriff's Office a total of $50,000 dollars in gift cards to hand out in a single day.
"The mission today is just to spread some holiday cheer just by giving some folks some much needed assistance during the holidays, and to give them a little pick me up and help with their holiday shopping or whatever else they might need some financial assistance with," explained Deputy York.
In West Augustine they surprised Jessica Tobler, the mother of two. The money comes just in time to help her buy her kids Christmas gifts. It left her speechless.
"Thank you! Merry Christmas!" she told them.
Christmas also came early for Sophia Hill.
"A hundred dollars, will that help you out?" asked Deputy York.
"Yes, it will. I'm going to use this for my son," said Hill. "It's a blessing. It really is, and I thank God for everything."
Holiday cheer spread was across the First Coast helping strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community they protect and serve thanks to the 904 Secret Santa.
St. Johns County 904 Secret Santa
"I think it's very neat and just a blessing to have someone who thinks about other people that really could use it," said LaRonda Major. "I kind of feel overwhelmed because I know there a lot of people who have a lot more kids than me, so I'm grateful for it. Thanks."
She had this message for the anonymous donors.
"I would tell them thank you, and God bless them. The world needs more people like that,” said Major.
Since 2015 when the #904SecretSanta started, the donors have distributed $200,000 across the three counties with the help of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.