Watch CBS News

Secret Santa spreads holiday cheer to those affected by Hurricane Harvey

Christmas after Harvey
Christmas comes early for town hit hard by Hurricane Harvey 03:21

BEAUMONT, Tx. -- Joann Petty isn't exactly in the Christmas spirit, and who can blame her?  

Four months after Hurricane Harvey flooded Beaumont, Texas, Joann and hundreds like her are still virtually homeless for the holidays. Joann said she lost everything, and couldn't even afford to buy her grandkids Christmas presents -- until now.

That's why the man in red made Beaumont his first stop this year. A Secret Santa gave her $300 -- not much in the scheme of things, but plenty to restore some hope.

That's what this anonymous businessman does every year with his own money. He travels the country giving out about $100,000 worth of $100 bills to random strangers.  

17-11 CBS Secret Santa Beaumont TX Steve Hartman
A Secret Santa spreads holiday cheer to those in need in Beaumont, Texas. Lou Bopp

But this year was a little different. This year he had a secondary motive -- to call attention to the Beaumont Police Department for their extraordinary sacrifice.

"We had two feet inside the house," said Sgt. Rick Boaz. Half the officers in the department had their homes damaged. And yet, like Boaz, virtually all of them showed up for work the next day. Boaz didn't have the shirt on his back, but said he "felt like I needed to" help those in need after the hurricane.

17-11 CBS Secret Santa Beaumont TX Steve Hartman
A special $100 bill from a Secret Santa. Lou Bopp

"I want the officers to know that their heroism, their sacrifice is not unrecognized," said the Secret Santa.

So as a thank you, some of the most affected officers got several hundred dollars each. But the money is not for what they want, but for a greater joy: to give it all away to others in need.

The officers shared emotional moments with people like Tiffany Patillo, who says she's had a few run-ins the with the law before, but none quite like this.

17-11 CBS Secret Santa Beaumont TX Steve Hartman
Beaumont officers pay it forward Lou Bopp  

For the officers, turning those tables -- and breaking down those barriers after the year they've had -- is just what everyone needed.

Beaumont will now celebrate Christmas with a fresh start, based on renewed trust and overwhelming kindness, thanks to America's Secret Santa.

To contact On the Road, or to send us a story idea, email us: OnTheRoad@cbsnews.com   

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.