SOUTHPORT, Ind. — The Southport Police Department surprised the community with a kind gesture on Thursday.
Drivers who went to pump gas at a Speedway station in the 7200 block of Madison Avenue got their fuel for free.
Police Chief Tom Vaughn said his officers came up with $1,000 to give back to the community, since the department's holiday event was canceled this year.
They were able to help 41 drivers Thursday night. Many of them were surprised and grateful.
“We had an elderly lady that hasn’t been out of the house and she is living on a fixed income, so to be able to help her and the smile on her face just means the world to us,” said Vaughn.
Cars were lined up for about an hour. Santa also stopped by to surprise families with candy canes and photos.
“I think it is something people need right now, a little bit of cheer and generosity,” said Southport Mayor James Cooney.
Whether it was a full tank or just a few bucks, people drove off smiling over the unexpected holiday cheer.