ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Seeing flashing red lights in the rear view mirror was not a bad sign for a handful of drivers in Rochester this Christmas.

Rochester police officers patrolling the Lake Avenue section of the city pulled over unsuspecting drivers to give them a gift basket. 

Helping them were refugees from the House of Refuge USA. 

Organizers say the give-away helps improve relations between police and the public.

"People have a fear when police pull them over," said Bijaya Khadka, organizer. "They have a fear of getting a ticket or something.  But when  we go with a Christmas basket. Last year, people's expressions were pretty amazing. Some people were crying, some people screamed. It's just bringing a smile to people's faces." 

This is the second year volunteers have done this give-away and they hope to make it a Christmas tradition.