Acts of Kindness
Cops find out boy’s favorite toy was stolen so they show up with a gift
When 4-year-old Gerald headed outside, he wasn't expecting to see a row of police officers there to brighten his day.
Colby Maxwell
06.03.22

As a kid growing up, part of coming inside after playing was to bring in all of your toys, especially if you live in a busy area. Sadly, any toys left outside were likely to be stolen. For a little kid, learning that lesson is tough. It’s hard to imagine that a stranger would take something so important to you! Still, most of us have experienced something akin to losing a special toy or object when we were little. Most of the time, the lesson and memory were the only things that we got in return. For one little boy in Tempe, Arizona, however, that wasn’t the case!

Pexels - Markus Winkler
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Pexels - Markus Winkler

4-year-old Gerald was loving playing with his toy Gator when it was stolen from him.

Pexels - Anil Sharma
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Pexels - Anil Sharma

Gerald is a boy that learned one of the hard lessons of life not long ago. Playing outside with his Gator, a small battery-operated car he could drive around, Gerald was living the kid’s dream. In a quick second while nobody was watching, however, it was gone.

When Gerald’s father realized what had happened, he was heartbroken.

Pexels - cottonbro
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Pexels - cottonbro

Gerald and his father had spent months working on the vehicle together, which they found by a dumpster. It was more than just a toy, it was a bonding project that was only recently completed and enjoyed. As his father explained, it wasn’t worth a lot, but it was the memories they shared that were “priceless.”

Posting the story to Facebook, Peter (Gerald’s dad), explained how he would sell whatever he could as a reward for someone to bring it back to him.

Facebook - Peter Philbrook
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Facebook - Peter Philbrook

After posting the heartfelt request on social media, people noticed. In fact, one particular person noticed and it made all the difference. The wife of Patrol Sergeant Andrew Brooks showed her husband the post.

“My wife said to me, ‘Hey you have to take care of this dude. You have to do something,'” Brooks told FOX 10.

With help from the Tempe Officer’s Association and Walmart, they were able to get the little boy a brand new Gator.

Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta
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Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta

Getting together with Gerald’s parents, Sgt. Brooks organized a small event to surprise him with his new gift.

“He thought he was just coming out to meet some friends at the park. Little did he know he was meeting some adult friends here to make a kid’s day,” his mother said.

Even more, the event was recorded and it’s truly heartwarming to watch.

Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta
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Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta

As we see little Gerald walk out of the apartment, a line of officers parts to reveal a shiny green John Deere Gator!

Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta
Source:
Facebook - Fox 5 Atlanta

In a bit of shock, Gerald walks up as Sgt. Brooks explains why he’s giving him the new toy. Nothing can replace the original time and bonding that went into the first, but this comes really close! Even more, the officers had purchased a small metal license plate to make his car “street worthy”.

It’s often the little things in life that mean the most to us, especially when it comes to children.

“We deal with so many negative things in the world and there is so much negativity. Just to be able to bring some joy is awesome. It’s a good feeling,” Brooks said.

Sgt. Brooks hit the nail on the head! The joy that a little green car can bring to a small boy is immeasurable. His reaction is totally priceless!

Make sure you check out the video below!

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