Two Florida police officers got into the holiday spirit on Saturday by surprising a needy family with their very own Christmas tree.
Boynton Beach Police Officers Barry Ward and Terrence Paramore had responded to a hangup call at the family’s residence, only to realize that a baby had been playing with the phone and mistakenly made the call. While the officers were there, the child’s mother mentioned that they had been struggling financially and couldn’t afford a tree this Christmas, The Huffington Post reported.
“They spoke with the child’s mother about the holidays coming up, and she mentioned that times were tough for her as a single mother,” Stephanie Slater, police department spokeswoman, told The Post. “The little girl made mention that she was sad they didn’t have a Christmas tree.”
That’s when the officers decided to take a shopping trip to Home Depot.
“They purchased the tree, stand, lights and ornaments. They then went back to the house and delivered the surprise,” Ms. Slater said, adding that the family’s reaction “melted their hearts.”
The officers said they plan to return to the residence with Christmas gifts — many of which have been donated by other residents, The Post reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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