Christmas is less than a week away and if you're a head of household, you could surely use a Secret Santa. Between the food, the drinks, gifts for the kids, and all the other stuff, Christmas has a dear cost. And while many can say that, yes, it "brings its own money" - for those who are down and out, it doesn't bring much. That's why a "Secret Santa" was very welcomed today in the Lake Independence area - where police turned philanthropist and gave away hams. Sahar Vasquez was there:...
Sahar Vasquez reporting
This morning several homes received a visit from ACP Edward Broaster. Doors were opened with some trepidation, which then turned into curiosity and, finally, surprise, when he got to the last question: "Do you have a Christmas ham?" Before they could even answer they were handed a black bag with a big juicy ham. Emotions ran high as for those in need, they will this have a Christmas.
Secret Santa Recipient
"Very very thankful because I don't have work so whatever you brought here will help me a lot because I am not feeling too well. Merry Christmas."
Secret Santa Recipient
"I don't have anything yet. I just got a ham. I don't have soft drinks, cake, or groceries. I don't have anything to feed my children."
Secret Santa Recipient
"Well I want to tell the Santa thank you for the ham. At least I got something. It is better than nothing. Half a loaf is better than none."
Secret Santa Recipient
"Well I am grateful for the ham. We usually buy ham but I haven't bought a ham as yet because my husband is waiting for his bonus. I am always grateful for others and when people help me."
Sahar Vasquez, reporter
"Who will eat this ham with you?"
Secret Santa Recipient
"Myself, my husband, and our 6 kids."
For this recipient, the ham brought her a massive sense of relief. She spent many sleepless nights worrying about where and if she would be able to get a ham and now she has one that is the perfect size for her mini oven.
Secret Santa Recipient
"Thanks, everybody and have a Merry Christmas because mine will be nice now."
Secret Santa Recipient
"Well I will sleep now. This put me in a good mood. 100%."
Secret Santa Recipient
"Thanks very much. This is the first time I am ever getting something anyway. Thanks very much."
Broaster and his team usually give out money and groceries to those in need but this year it was ham. So the question is why ham, wouldn't a fifty dollar bill be a better gift?
ACP Edward Broaster
"Well actually we decided to give away hams because for the Christmas sometime people don't have a ham to provide for their kids."
"We just want to give Christmas cheer to those who are in need and to make the festive season a little bit more lively."
"We are giving away ham to needy families and with the help of you guys we try to cooperate with you all in terms of choosing the neediest families in the areas that we have been visiting so that we can provide them with a ham."
So, perhaps Santa's biggest secret is that police do care about the communities they serve.
ACP Broaster and his team gave out over 20 hams to the needy. They plan to keep the giving streak going throughout the week.
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