The Durant Police Department, with help from Santa Claus, pulled over eight drivers on Dec. 19 and gave them a box containing food and toys.
They were stopped for minor traffic violations such as not wearing a seat belt or something defective on the vehicle, and no tickets were issued while Christmas joy was spread.
Durant Police Reserves Capt. John Wyatt said that every year, this is something officers like to do and they have a good time doing it.
“The officers are still trying to reach out to the community, and we’ve got Santa here with us and he’s going to be riding with officer (Josh) Mullins and they’re going to make traffic stops and give toys instead of tickets,” Wyatt said, before the Santa Stops began that morning. “Officer Mullins has done this before and he has a good time and Santa Claus. Of course, you know Santa. He loves doing this.”
Other than police did not have Santa Stops last year, the department has been doing them for about four years.
Santa enjoys riding along with police to give out toys and it gives him a welcome break from crawling down chimneys.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s very humbling,” Santa said. “It’s just something we like to do. It’s a lot cleaner than the chimneys.”
After Tessa Willebey was pulled over, she said she was definitely nervous.
“I know I should have my seat belt on, but it was a shock,” she said. “It was a great shock, actually to get Christmas presents and some food. I’ve got two little boys, they’re in the second and third grade at Washington Irving. So, they’re going to be shocked too that I got to meet Santa.”
Judy Holland, after she was stopped and given a box of toys and food, said, “Thank you, but Merry Christmas. I thought it was going to be a ticket.”
Asked if it would help her children, she said, “Yes, it will.”
After Charlotte Decker was stopped for something defective on her vehicle, she said, “I’m going to tell my husband. He’s a mechanic. He really is for the college.”
Asked what her reaction was to the stop, Decker said, “Totally shocked, totally surprised and kind of a little disappointed that I didn’t know more about it. There’s a lot more people that would contribute, especially in Texoma. I mean, we give, we help, that’s what we do and so yeah, appreciated, a nice surprise.
“It will help my children help their children. So yeah, it was a blessing, so thank y’all. Y’all stay safe.”
Saturday morning, Durant police officers delivered 10 Christmas care packages to families in need during “Operation Christmas Ham.”
Police said each package included a ham donated by the Choctaw Nation Outreach Services department.
“A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community partners, including Hands of Hope Food Bank, for their invaluable support in donating other necessary food items,” the department said, in a social media post. “We are truly grateful for the volunteers and community members who made this event possible. Together, we’re making a difference and ensuring that everyone has a joyful holiday season.”
