Imagine heading home after a long day to be greeted by an unsuspected early Christmas gift on the bus. Secret Santa was in full swing today, with the help of the police department, pulling over buses and giving away free Christmas hams and hundred dollar notes to Belizeans in need. Jomarie Lanza was there and got to speak with some of the overjoyed recipients before they climbed back on the bus with their Christmas surprise.
When police stop your bus it's usually an unpleasant and disruptive encounter - to conduct a search or check for standees.
But today, the commuters on busses heading out of the Belize District lucked out - their checkpoint was full of Christmas Cheer.
The police stepped in today, to stop traffic for Secret Santa. They handed out Christmas hams and hundred dollar bills to commuters grateful for a little extra help during the Christmas season. Senior Supt Junito Cocom was tasked to oversee the goodwill operation:
Juanito Cocom, Senior Supt, Police
"Every year if you know most people are already aware of Secret Santa every year he comes and generously gives to the people and asks us to assist him in just doing that. You know this year we are giving away 50 hams and some money to the people."
Reporter
"How gratifying is it for you to see the look on their face when they get their ham when they get their money?"
Juanito Cocom, Senior Supt, Police
"It is very gratifying because that is what we are out here for; we select people that we think are the ones that are most needy so."
And for every bus that was pulled over, and vehicle stopped, each traveller was surprised by Secret Santa's selfless gesture:
Commuter
"I just want to say thanks to the police department as my husband was a police and he passed away ten years ago thanks again."
Reporter-
"Were you expecting this ma'am?"
Commuter
"Well no, it was a surprise."
Commuter
"And we are very grateful for this, this is a big help to us."
Reporter-
"When they told you to come off the bus what went through your mind?"
Commuter
"I just followed I told they lady lets go even if they will give you a slap when you come down. She said no. Thank you."
Commuter
"I never expect nothing like this. We were frightened i said you hold me over for i don't know what i did but thanks for the $100."
Reporter-
"How handy will this come in?"
Commuter
"Well any money come in handy for anybody you know."
Commuter
"Yo me siento bien loco, bien contento soy crazy black from Benque Viejo del Carmen. Thank you thank you i feel happy i feel good i feel alright."
Commuter
"Very grateful thanks very much. I feel very good."
Reporter-
"I know this was unexpected so."
Commuter
"I know thank you very much."
Reporter-
"Did you expect to get a ham coming off this bus?"
Commuter
"No sir but thanks very much."
