This time, when PFPD comes knocking, it's all smiles in return
<p>Matthew Doyle, 3, reacts after being taken by Christine Jones, crime victim advocate with the Post Falls Police Department to choose toothbrushes Friday during a distribution of gift cards, blankets, and other items by the officers with the department to families in need.</p>
<p>Jessica Plunkett, of Post Falls, is emotional while thanking Captain Pat Knight and other officers from the Post Falls Police Department for their donation.</p>
<p>Marla Tavares comes to tears after being given a $450 gift card, Silverwood Theme Park tickets, and other items from the Post Falls Police Department.</p>
POST FALLS —When Post Falls Police came knocking on Marla Tavares' door on Friday, the initial shock quickly turned to tears of joy.
Police employees surprised several households in need with gifts and Christmas cheer.
"We have so many people at our house right now," said Tavares, fighting back tears and holding her hand over her mouth in disbelief. "You don't know what a blessing it is."
The gifts police delivered included $450 gift cards at some homes, turkey vouchers, Silverwood Theme Park tickets, blankets, cookies, toothbrushes and other items.
The items were purchased through the Holidays and Heroes program, a collaboration between area emergency response agencies that generates donations from the community. PFPD had about $8,000 left over after staff took children in need shopping for their families on Dec. 6. Recipients are selected based on an application process through the school district.
"We're here to give you some extra cheer," PFPD's Christine Jones told Tavares at the door.
One girl at the home was stunned and brightened when she heard Silverwood tickets were among the offerings.
"Oh my god," she said, overjoyed.
Post Falls police Capt. Pat Knight said it's a nice change of pace for police to knock on doors with cheerful news.
"It means the world for our employees to give back and make a difference in the lives of these families," Knight said. "We aren't always there on good terms."
Tavares called the surprise "beautiful and overwhelming."
"This is so amazing," she said. "This is definitely the spirit of the holidays. It is so nice."
Jessica Plunkett had just put the kids she was watching down for a nap when she heard the knock at the door.
After she realized why police had arrived and she roused the children, tears came to her eyes. She said she wished that all of her kids would have been home at the time.
"This is such a surprise," she said. "This reassures the kids that Christmas is about giving, not about all the presents. It puts the meaning of Christmas in a whole different perspective."