( CNN ) -- What if police gave out presents instead of traffic tickets . That would be a nice trick , or maybe an alternate reality . Actually , it was a stunt for UPtv . The family friendly cable channel pulled off the stunt in late November with the help of Lowell , Michigan , Police Department . Officer Scot VanSolkema stopped unsuspecting drivers for minor traffic violations and then chatted them up about what their family would like for Christmas . `` Got all your Christmas shopping done ? '' he asked one woman as she pulled out her proof of insurance and registration . `` No , I have n't even started , '' she answered before telling VanSolkema what her daughter and son were asking for . Listening in were Santa 's helpers with UPtv , who quickly dashed about a local store buying , wrapping and delivering the presents to the traffic stop within 15 minutes . Surprise ! `` Oh my God , can I hug you ? '' So , on and on it went , 50 drivers in all , according to CNN affiliate WZZM . VanSolkema handed out some 30 presents worth about $ 7,000 . And no tickets . Lowell Police Chief Steve Bukala said you can learn a lot about somebody in just a few minutes . `` Most of the contact the police officers have with the general public is on a traffic stop and you can find a lot out about that person in that 10 to 15 minute window , whether they 're having a good day , a bad day , or a horrible day , '' he said . `` And then we got this idea : what if we could change that person 's day in real time ? What if we could change that person 's day right now ? ''
TV stunt with police department hands out presents , not tickets . Police pulled over drivers and then asked them about Christmas shopping . Santa 's helpers listened in and quickly delivered gifts . They handed out about 30 presents worth $ 7,000 .