The good guys thread

[cassiesmom]

Police officers in Kansas City surprise motorists (source: Huffington Post)

In Kansas City, flashing red and blue lights had drivers seeing green earlier this month, after an anonymous wealthy benefactor enlisted sheriff's deputies there to pull over motorists, then hand over $100 bills instead of tickets.

The $100,000 giveaway was the brainchild of a wealthy Missouri businessman, known only as "Secret Santa," who donates similar amounts of money each holiday season. This year, reports CBS, he trusted officers to seek out drivers in need, as indicated by the condition of their vehicles, then hand out money.

The heartfelt gesture brought many motorists to tears. But it wasn't just drivers who benefited -- "Secret Santa" hoped the sheriff's deputies would earn some joy, too.

"As tough as [the officers] are they have hearts that are bigger than the world," "Santa" told CBS.

A similar campaign in Lowell, Mich., funded by UP TV, also provided unsuspecting drivers with Christmas gifts earlier this month, ultimately furnishing around $8,000 worth of handouts to 50 motorists in need.

"Most of the contact police officers have with the general public is on a traffic stop, and you can find out a lot about that person in that 10 to 15-minute window," Lowell Police Chief Steve Bukala said, explaining the project. "We got this idea, what if we could change that person's day in real time?"

[kuhio98]

Years after death, wife gives husband final Christmas gift

David Schmitz knew his wife loved him, but she confirmed the depth of her affection and fondness for him and their children with a surprise gift this Christmas — two years after she died from cancer.

The Iowa father of four received the gift after being called into a Des Moines radio station, KSTZ, for a popular, decades-old program held every year in which the station grants Christmas wishes to listeners.

“I didn't have an idea what it was about,” Schmitz told NBC’s Mike Taibbi.

A letter, written two years ago from his wife, had made its way to the radio station and was read on air.

“Hello, my name is Brenda. When you are in receipt of this letter I will have already lost my battle to ovarian cancer,” the letter started.

In the summer of 2011, Brenda had asked a friend to send the letter anonymously to the station once her husband had found a new love, just as she had wished for him. This year, David got engaged to Jayne, who has two children of her own.

Brenda had three wishes on her list, including one for her children’s new stepmother.

“First, for David’s new life-long partner, a day or better yet, a weekend, of pampering in all aspects of her life. She deserves it,” she wrote. “Make her smile, and know her efforts are truly appreciated from me. Thank you. I love you, whoever you are.”

Her other wishes were for a night of food, drink and fun for the Mercy Hospital staff that took care of her while she battled ovarian cancer.

Her third and final wish was for a magical vacation for her husband and his new blended family at a place "where they all can enjoy their company and companionship as a family and create those memories that will be with them forever."

The radio station granted all three wishes, sending David and his extended crew to Disney World.

The entire experience left him and Jayne stunned.

"It almost makes me speechless," Jane said. "She's making me feel special."

David said he was in shock, but not surprised by Brenda's final testament to her love for him and his children.

“She was very down to earth, a loving mother, a terrific wife,” he told the radio station.