Get Out of Traffic Violation With a Toy

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - If you're stopped for a minor traffic violation in one north Texas community, instead of a ticket, you may get a warning and a chance to donate a toy as part of a program to make sure children receive Christmas gifts.

The "Tickets for Tots" program has been in place for the past seven years in Sansom Park, Texas. The tickets through the program are issued until Christmas Eve.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram officers use their discretion when deciding whether to issue a citation. A driver will get a verbal warning about the violation and a form describing 'Tickets for Tots' and asking for a donation.

The newspaper reported that City Administrator and Police Chief Tony White thought of the idea when he was the police chief in Rhome, and brought the toy drive to Sansom Park.

"Most people aren't too happy when they see red and blue lights in their rear view mirror," Officer James Crippen said to WJZ-TV . "Once they receive the 'Ticket For Tots,' it's the same thing as a warning to them. It doesn't cost them anything. It kind of helps them out at the same time."

The program is voluntary, but has been popular. So many toys have been collected, more than 1,000, that they had to be stored at the fire department.

"I think it's a good program," said driver Stacy Wilhite after he received a 'Ticket For Tots.' "Get people to volunteer and give a little bit for kids who are unfortunate and don't have anything."

Across the U.S. Toys for Tots programs have collected many toys, but the economy has strained the program this year. CNN reported that Kay Carpenter, a volunteer with Toys for Tots in Boston, said that while the campaign seems to be getting more donations this year, the demand also has risen. "[Toys] go out as fast as they come in."

In Washington, a Toys for Tots giveaway collected a record number of toys, but some children had to go home without a gift .