Police officer spends his last day giving gift cards instead of tickets

Instead of giving out tickets on his last day, one police officer gave back to the community he loved.

After 14 years serving as a police officer, Brian Peters used his own money to purchase multiply gift cards from Target and Cub Foods worth $50 each and handed them out to strangers in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

“People need groceries, and kids need toys,” Peters told ABC News. “My goal was to walk around the city and just find people that could maybe use a little extra cash or income to buy kids some toy.”

It only took Peters about two-and-half hours to give away all ten gift cards to people who he believed needed it and would appreciate a little help. From mothers with children to a young couple, Peters surprised each one of them with his kind gesture.

Among the recipients to receive a $50 gift card was Shaundra Lindsay, who plans on using them to buy food and back-to-school items for her three children.

“I got a little scared but he came with some good news,” Lindsay told NBC affiliate KARE. “I didn’t know what he was coming over here to me for. It was a surprise. He blessed us and I am really happy about that.”

The 42-year-old police officer also surprised a young man and his girlfriend. The man admitted to Peters that in the past his perception of police was negative.

“Thank you! You keep doing what you are doing,” the man told Peters. “This is nice.”

Peters doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He starts his new position at Target as a manager of the global crisis command center, where he will look for new ways to give back.

“Community service is extremely important, and when you’re fortunate in life, you should give back to others who aren’t as fortunate,” he told ABC News. “That’s what makes the world go ‘round.”