When Portland Police Officers and volunteers with the Trauma Intervention Program team up, it's unfortunately because of a traumatic event.
TIP volunteers provide emotional and practical support to people in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.
This week, however, they are pairing up for a different reason: to play Secret Santa.
TIP of Portland was awarded five thousand dollars by an anonymous donor for a Secret Santa Program.
This week officers and TIP volunteers have been out in the community surprising several families with an envelope filled with 300 dollars in cash.
Zubaida Yeasmin and her two daughters Ascifa and Afida were the recipients of one of those envelopes.
"I'm excited too, I'm happy. Thank you so much." Yeasmin said.
The money is a part of a Secret Santa program, new this year to Maine Behavioral Healthcare's Trauma Intervention Program.
Tip Program Manager, Leslie Skillin, says "we were granted $5,000 from an anonymous donor to TIP national and we were selected as one of the chapters to distribute the funds".
The Portland Police Department assisted in identifying great families who might need a little extra support this holiday season.
Funds are also being used to surprise unexpected residents in the right place at the right time.
Portland Police Officer Les Smith and TIP Volunteer Duncan Perry teamed up for a ride along---looking to surprise people with a $100 bill.
“This is exciting, it's fun and most important it's helping people and that's so cool." Perry said.
“It’s fun to get out and see everybody and talk to people and it’s nice to have a positive interaction all around.” Officer Smith said.
After a few minutes of driving around in frigid weather Officer Smith and Duncan Perry spotted a gentleman who just got out of his car.
Officer Smith and Duncan Perry hopped out of the police car and flagged him down.
"My name is Duncan.” Perry told the man. He went on to say “It's Christmas time, a time for giving and happiness and joy and I think we have something for you."
Officer Smith handed the man the envelope.
"Can I open it? The man asked. “Yes, of course.” Officer Smith said.” “Oh my God, the man said when he saw the money. “You guys are unbelievable. I'm flat broke. Thank you so much."
The man, Mike Griffin, said he will use the money to buy Christmas presents for his grandchildren.
Duncan Perry and Officer Smith continued their mission looking for another unsuspecting person to surprise.
They spotted Bertille Nadine Miabete walking up the street.
Duncan Perry said to Miabete “We have a surprise for you.” Officer Smith handed her the envelope and said "you can open that and this is for you to help at Christmas.” Miabete opened the envelope and a smile spread across her face. “Oh thank you, thank you.” She said.“God Bless you.
It wasn't Duncan Perry or Officer Smith's typical day on the job, but it's certainly one they'll always remember.
“It makes me feel so warm all over to know we’re helping people and to see their responses.” Duncan Perry said.
Officer Smith, with a big smile on his face, said "I love it, there is no bigger fan of happy than me and to do that makes me happy. That’s awesome.”
The Trauma Intervention Program is hoping new donors or businesses will consider donating money next year so the Secret Santa program can continue.