SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department revealed Officer Joe Cole has been on a quiet side quest to replace ripped nets and cracked rims around the city using his own money.

Officials say for years Cole has kept his eyes peeled for basketball hoops across the city that have seen better days.

Cole's goal is to ensure neighborhood kids have a proper place to play a little three on three, and if the kids don’t have a ball, he’d give them one of those, too.

After SBPD shared a video of Cole's side quest in action a few weeks ago on Facebook, people began donating nets for Cole's cause.

Police say Point Guard University, a basketball training academy around the corner from the station, then contacted them after seeing Cole's video.

The university invited Cole and other officers to stop by and presented them with several large bags containing 50 nets and 50 balls to help support Cole’s efforts.

Police say this spring, Cole has already fixed up a handful of hoops and these donations ensure his efforts continue.

Video provided by SBPD