Napa police pay forward $5,000 anonymous donation

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- The Napa Police Department was able to spread some holiday cheer this month, thanks to a generous donation.

Police said an anonymous donor sent them $5,000. The money came with instructions to pay it forward, $100 at a time to people in need until the donation runs out.

Officers say having the opportunity to interact with the community in such a positive way benefits everyone involved.

"It brings us together," Officer Tristan Cline said. "We don't, especially in law enforcement, it's mostly bad news we're giving people, so it's pretty cool to be able to do this."

"We can take a pause from the enforcement action and show the humanity behind that," Omar Salem said. "We understand what it feels like to be in need."

As instructed, the department promises to continue surprising community members until the money runs out.