Jenni Clanton of Edwardsburg was pulled over on US-12 near Our Lady of the Lady Catholic Church Dec. 21 and issued a gift card from Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department officer Andrew Erickson. The department delivered gift cards to families in need as well as pulling over families and handing them cards. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

When a police officer knocks on a door or turns on his flashing lights and pulls a car over, bad news may be forthcoming for the individual in the driver’s seat.

But on Dec. 21, the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department delivered good news to residents in the form of gift cards.

Police officers spread some holiday cheer to those in need and random individuals.

The department gave gift cards to seven families who were in need and pulled over motorists throughout the day and instead of handing out tickets, officers handed the driver a gift card and a holiday greeting.

Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Chief Tim Kozal came up with the idea a couple of weeks ago.

“We wanted to help and bring some joy into some families lives,” he said. “We got a hold of the churches so we would have specific people. We are hoping to help seven families directly and then however many families we can spot right now.”

Jenni Clanton was one of the drivers who was pulled over by officer Andrew Erickson on US-12 after leaving Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

She was trying to figure out why he was pulling her over when Clanton got the unexpected surprise.

“I was thinking, ‘what did I do?’ I haven’t done anything yet,” she said. “I makes me feel great.”

Clanton said she was going to purchase Christmas dinner with the gift card.