Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it also tends to be the most expensive. All those packages coming down the driveway? They're not from Santa's workshop. You've got Amazon and your credit card to thank for those.
Between decking the halls, making the yuletide bright, and Santa Claus comin' to town, our bank accounts take a significant hit.
But for some lucky folks in Monroe County, Georgia, their wallets were a little bit heavier, thanks to some unexpected Christmas cheer (and CASH) from an anonymous "Secret Santa" and his very unusual elves.
Police Officer Swaps Out Tickets for Cash
In 2015, an anonymous businessman wanted to give back to his community. So, he enlisted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to help spread some Christmas cheer in the form of cold, hard cash.
The "Secret Santa" donated $5400 and asked officers to swap out tickets for $100 bills for people who "looked like they might need it."
"He felt like this was a good way to make everybody feel good about law enforcement and to give back to the community for Christmas," Monroe County Sheriff John Bittick explained.
Deputy Timothy Campfield, aka Santa's Helper, was more than happy to be a part of it.
"It's not every day you get to hand out cash instead of citations."
Deputy Timothy Campfield
He stopped motorists who might normally have been issued written warnings or tickets for minor infractions like driving with a burnt out brake light, and surprised them with the cash instead.
A video shared by WMAZ News captured the heartwarming reactions of drivers, from their initial confusion and anxiety, to tears of relief and joy upon receiving the unexpected gift.
"Oh, can I hug you?" asked Angel Scott, a mother of six who was feeling the stress of the holiday season. But she wasn't the only one feeling the love.
Grandmother Renee Smith did too. "It's gonna help Christmas," she said. "We've only bought one gift for my grandson, and that's it. We haven't done anything else so far."
And dad of two, William White, couldn't believe it. "Are you sure? I can't accept that. You aren't going to put your handcuffs on me are you?"
"You were telling me that work has been a little slow," Campfield told him. "Instead of handing you a citation or writing you a ticket that's gonna cost you money, I'd like to give you this donation. Take it with you for your family."
It’s the Gift That Keeps on Giving
The giving, however, didn't end there. After hearing about the 54 people that received bills instead of A bill, a second anonymous benefactor stepped up with an additional $5000 to spread even more holiday joy.
And, for several years afterward, a "Secret Santa" mysteriously appeared every Christmas, providing a bigger and bigger stack of $100 bills. In 2018, the anonymous donation reached a whopping $9000.
"It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like you're actually doing something for them. You're helping them out, you really are. Just to be able to bring that joy to somebody, especially near the holidays, really makes you feel good as a person."
Monroe County Deputy via WGXA News
The drivers may have received the cash, but for the police officers who got to be a part of the Secret Santa Missions, they received something even more valuable. They got to experience the pure joy of doing something good for someone else, at a time when they least expected it.
Not all presents come in boxes. Sometimes they come in the gifts of time, or love, or generosity, or grace. And these gifts? Are priceless.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.