By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Getting pulled over usually costs money, but 25 drivers in Glasgow received money during their traffic stops thanks to the Let Hope In event.
On Dec. 3, five Glasgow police officers conducted legal traffic stops — pulling people over for minor violations, like a headlight out, expired registration or for not using a turn signal — but instead of writing them a ticket, people with the Let Hope In event and Riverlake Church gave them a $100 bill.
Several recipients said they would use the money to pay for holiday presents or bills. One such recipient was Cody Morrison, who got out of his truck and, in the crisp, evening air, surrounded by other cars in the Walmart parking lot, gave a hug to the Riverlake Church gift-giver saying that this helps restore his faith in human goodness.
“I appreciate everything in life,” Morrison said with a smile. “I lost my brother when I was 14 and I struggled with addiction for a long time. Recently went to rehab [and] got out in April. Everything has been a struggle. I thought once I got out everything would start falling into place and it just didn’t.
“So I started losing faith again…, but this, you know, kind of helps restore it.”
Crystal James, a Glasgow native who rode alongside officer Johnathan Pendley, said she was initially nervous as this was her first time participating in the event, but got into the rhythm as the night wore on. James said she would “definitely” participate again next year, describing the roughly two-hour experience as “rewarding.”
“A lady cried [and] that touched me and [Morrison] asked me for a hug and that touched me even more because times are tough,” James said. “You never know what someone is going through…. I hope we touched some hearts so it’s all worth it.”
Shawna Tittle said “Is this a Joke?” upon getting the $100 in the Southgate parking lot on Dec. 3. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
Cody Morrison got out of his truck that was stopped in the Walmart parking lot on Dec. 3 to hug Crystal James (blue coat) after she gifted him $100 as part of the Let Hope In event. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
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