You have the right to remain smiling.
The long arm of law handed out $100,000 worth of gift cards to random residents across Duval and St. Johns Counties this season thanks to anonymous donors hoping to spread some Christmas cheer.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office distributed $50,000 in cards while St. Johns and Clay sheriff’s deputies each handed out $25,000 in cards each.
Worth $100 apiece, the cards were passed out on a random basis, drawing squeals of surprised delight from kids and a some sighs of relief from parents — some of whom are straining to make ends meet this holiday season.
Officers from the St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach Police Departments also took part in the joyous Christmas campaign.
The initiative was made possible by a fundraising effort coordinated by the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.
“The donors behind #904SecretSanta chose to be anonymous because they truly want to keep the focus on the good work of local deputies and the residents who will have a little extra money in their pocket this holiday season,” said John Zell, Senior Vice President of Development at The Community Foundation.
