JACKSONVILLE – For the fifth year in a row, #904SecretSanta returned to Northeast Florida this week as local law enforcement officers who gave away a total of $50,000 worth of gift cards.

Acting on behalf of two anonymous donors who work through The Community Foundation, the officers made 500 unsuspecting citizens in Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties very happy with much-appreciated holiday spending money in the form of $100 VISA gift cards.

“It’s our continued pleasure to provide this year-end gesture of surprise and delight with #904SecretSanta,” the donors said when asked about their repeated generosity. “We review every article, social post and news outlet story. We love it all so much and the departments have always done such a great job, so thank you for that!!”

As in past years, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office distributed 300 of the gift cards, and Clay and St. Johns County’s Sheriff’s offices each distributed 100. Area officers and deputies were provided this guidance from the donors as they began their ‘Secret Santa’ duties: “Based on your experience in the community or with someone you may encounter today, you are asked to distribute these cards to individuals who you feel may benefit from a gift like this at this time of year.

For some, it’s a much-needed feeling that they’re not alone … that someone still cares. For others, it may make the difference in having a Christmas at all.”

#904SecretSanta started in 2015, when the two donors approached The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida through their professional advisor, and a Donor Advised fund was established at The Community Foundation to carry out their wishes. Since beginning the effort in 2015, this pair of donors has distributed a total of $250,000 across three counties at the holidays.

TD Bank handles the transfer of the Donor Advised Fund’s gift of $50,000 into 500 preapproved VISA gift cards for distribution. TD Bank offered to waive the fees normally associated with purchasing gift cards so that the full value of the donors’ gift can go directly to the recipients.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org), Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 55th year, the Foundation has assets of $384 million and has made grants totaling $500 million since 1964.