LOWELL, MI -- Several people recently pulled over by Lowell Police were likely a little frustrated for the reason behind their traffic stop: Traveling five miles or less above the limit, or snow partially covering their license plate during a week of heavy snowfall.

But then Officer Scot VanSolkema started asking drivers about Christmas shopping. What items were they looking for?

This was one strange traffic stop.

Then the big surprise: The items drivers mentioned -- some as expensive as an Xbox gaming system or a flat-screen television -- was soon being lifted into their backseat as video cameras rolled.

About two months ago, Lowell Police were approached by West Michigan native and entrepreneur Rob Bliss, who creates viral videos through his company, Rob Bliss Creative. The idea was to produce a project that would show police in a different light.

Bliss had teamed with UPtv Network, which broadcasts movies and television shows designed to be uplifting. UPtv would provide funding for Christmas gifts if Lowell Police would be willing to help with distributing them, said Detective Gordy Lauren.

The department agreed to help and a short video of the Christmas giveaway went live on YouTube Tuesday morning, Dec. 9.

Related: Rob Bliss making monthly payments to Grand Rapids, while city forgives nearly $25,000 in other event debt

At a time when police nationwide have been in the news for negative reasons, the Christmas giving was an opportunity to encourage people to step back.

"We can kind of put police in a better light around the holidays," Lauren said.

VanSolkema began a series of traffic stops in the city's central area Nov. 19, wearing a GoPro camera and a hidden mic connected to shoppers at a Meijer store a few minutes away. As motorists told him what they still needed to purchase, shoppers were rushing through the Meijer store, then over to the traffic stop location with the gift.

Shoppers picked up an Xbox, a television, specific-sized shoes and even a hatchet for a woman whose daughter hunts and frequently cleans animals.

But there was a downside to the stops. Many of the motorists were not too happy to be waiting so long for a stop that initially seemed mundane. But the surprise gifts resulted in tears and hugs, VanSolkema said.

Some driver's requests, like a new job or better health, VanSolkema could not fill. He pulled over between 45 and 50 motorists and gave out about 30 gifts — totaling around $7,000. The network funded the gifts.

He hopes the effort will make a lasting difference this holiday for the gift recipients.

"It's definitely more personal," he said of the interactions. "It's a great community."