INDIANAPOLIS -- Nearly 200 people got to celebrate Christmas early this week thanks in part to a $20,000 donation from an anonymous donor.
The money went to IMPD's "Operation Ho Ho 5-0" to buy gift cards to be given out by officers.
Metro police got the idea for the gift card giveaway from a similar effort by the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant Chief James Waters posted the idea on Facebook, and a local businessman responded.
As many as 40 IMPD officers in four districts were given the cards to distribute. It's an effort by IMPD to build relationships outside of crime and stressful confrontations.
The man who donated the $20,000 helps fund many other IMPD programs, including providing safe and secure housing for witnesses and crime victims. Police said he chooses to remain anonymous.
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