Pocatello Police receive generous gift, pass back to community

Pocatello Police master patrolman Nick Peterson said it was quite the gift: $1,000 dollars given to the police department, anonymously, from a community member.

“We took that $1,000 and bought $100 gift cards to Wal-Mart,” Peterson said.

Every year, the police department raises money for their Secret Santa program. The officers and behind-the-scenes support staff all chip in to provide Christmas to families they see in their line of work who could use a lift during Christmas.

“This is the first time that I know of or have been a part of getting an anonymous donation,” he said.

Peterson and other officers are delivering the gift cards and other gifts to families as they can find and locate them. Peterson said they don’t want to embarrass anyone by showing up at their workplace, so they’re trying to spread the cheer while not spreading the word.

Peterson said he’s glad for the opportunity to help parents buy something for their kids for Christmas. Pictured above, from left to right, are Mindi Anderson and Amy Teuscher. Photo courtesy of the Pocatello Police Department.