(CNN) — What if police gave out presents instead of traffic tickets? That would be a nice trick, or maybe an alternate reality.
Actually, it was a stunt for UPtv.
The family-friendly cable channel pulled off the stunt in late November 2014 with the help of Lowell, Michigan, Police Department.
Officer Scot VanSolkema stopped unsuspecting drivers for minor traffic violations and then chatted them up about what their family would like for Christmas.
“Got all your Christmas shopping done?” he asked one woman as she pulled out her proof of insurance and registration.
“No, I haven’t even started,” she answered before telling VanSolkema what her daughter and son were asking for.
Listening in were Santa’s helpers with UPtv, who quickly dashed about a local store buying, wrapping and delivering the presents to the traffic stop within 15 minutes.
Surprise!
“Oh my God, can I hug you?”
On and on it went, 50 drivers in all, according to CNN affiliate WZZM. VanSolkema handed out some 30 presents worth about $7,000.
And no tickets.
