North Port police find kindness, pay it forward

NORTH PORT (FOX 13) - The North Port Police Department tricked a few unsuspecting Good Samaritans outside a local retailer this week and spread the holiday spirit.

The department planted a volunteer and World War II veteran Bill Greenham, 89, outside the store where he dropped things and appeared to need help.

There was no shortage of help as people came to his rescue, picking up his dropped items like wandering oranges that fell out of his bag and onto the pavement, and asking him if he was ok. 

After they helped him, he and the rest of the department's "elves" surprised them with gifts, some of them even admitting to having hardships and breaking down into tears at the gesture. 

The Good Samaritans had no idea there were helpers inside the store, waiting for word on what gifts to bring, then  wrapping them and delivering them on the spot. 

It was all part of "Operation Santa Surprise," which was made possible by donations by local businesses.