If you go blitzen through Sansom Park, or if the old sleigh's got a missing license plate, it just might be the ticket to a brighter Christmas for kids in need.
Families who need a hand providing gifts will get it from motorists who get stopped for minor violations. "Tickets for Tots" is the name of the program.
It's an unusual way to help in this working class town, where there's less work than there used to be.
One motorist found out about the program the hard way.
"The reason I stopped you is I wanted to make you aware you're required to have a front tag on the bumper of your vehicle," a police officer told the driver.
No front tag. But this time, no ticket either.
"Here in Sansom Park, we have the Tickets for Tots program," Cpl. Andy Young said. "Instead of issuing a traffic citation, we'll give you a verbal warning today."
That's a real holiday blessing: a warning and a no-obligation request to donate a toy.
"This is a great program," driver Heather Hammond said. "I've never heard of it before."
She said she would gladly participate.
The toys are just starting to trickle in, but last year they collected several hundred. Then the guys in the blue suits made sure they were delivered to the kids of Sansom Park in time for Christmas.
"Everybody's struggling," the police officer said. "I can't imagine what it would be like for someone that's jobless right now, especially coming into the holidays. I know that a lot of the officers here, myself included, we all have children."
He said the program has brought a lot of joy over the last several years. And no doubt, a lot of relief, too.
"I think this is pretty cool, actually," Hammond said. "I thought I was going to get a ticket."
