In Chesapeake, Virginia, police swapped citations for turkeys during their 10th annual “Turkey Instead of a Ticket” program.
Drivers who showed safe behavior got a holiday bird instead of a fine, turning routine traffic stops into moments of goodwill. The initiative began with local resident Rodney Foster and has grown into a community partnership with the Chesapeake Jubilee Committee, Chesapeake Crime Line, Kroger, and other sponsors.
Beyond the festive surprise, the program raises money for Chesapeake Crime Line, donating over $10,000 in nine years. Kroger has been a loyal sponsor every single year, helping keep the tradition alive.
✨ In short: What started as a quirky idea has become a decade-long tradition that blends holiday cheer with community support, proving that sometimes a turkey can do more good than a ticket.