An NYPD detective and living organ donor is raising awareness about the gift of life this holiday season – and working with a local lawmaker to incentivize other potential donors.

NYPD Detective Mike Lollo gave his kidney to a complete stranger last year for Christmas.

"It's nice being able to do something and also see the results,” he told News 12.

News 12 spoke to the married father of three about his unique holiday gift by video messenger.

He says while he can't give again this Christmas, he can encourage others to do so.

"I gave one kidney away,” he said. “I can't give the other one away. So I just wanted to do more as far as advocacy."

The detective is working with Hudson Valley lawmaker Sen. James Skoufis on a bill to give living donors an incentive by providing free health care for life.

"People who are selfless enough to donate a kidney should be provided with the peace of mind that they will never have to worry about health insurance,” Skoufis said in a statement.

Lollo says the ultimate incentive is saving a life. In his case, it was the life of a military wife and mother who he met for the first time last summer on Citi Field. Detective Lollo and his recipient, Ruth Tisak, shared this Thanksgiving together with their families at her home in Pennsylvania. Tisak told News 12 that his gift is truly the best she could ever receive.

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