On Sunday they were called to a home in the 2300 block of Suzanne Lane near Joshua. They learned that a new bike that was to be a Christmas present had been temporarily parked in the driveway, but it was stolen, according to news release from Sheriff Bob Alford.
"Deputies also learned the 10-year-old (girl) whose bicycle was stolen is autistic and didn’t fully understand what happened to the bike," according to the release. "Deputies Lanny Boone and Charles Layland left the residence searching the area for the stolen bike, to no avail.
"But the story doesn’t end there."
Back at the sheriff’s office, according to the release, Boone "made it known he intended to go to Walmart and buy another bike for the child."
Deputies Jeremy Goff, Keven George, Dustin Saulter, Danny Smith and Reserve Deputy Scott Smith all pitched in to help and actually collected more money than was necessary to replace the bike.
Boone took the money to Walmart and bought a similar bike. All the other deputies joined him at the girl’s home near Joshua to deliver the bike with "the excess money attached to the handle bars," the release stated.
Boone told the family to tell the girl that Santa had heard about her loss and he wanted to make sure she got a replacement.
The following day, as Boone continued to search for the stolen bike, he was flagged down by the child’s father who excitedly thanked the deputies for the gift.
"Boone asked him if the daughter still believed in Santa Claus," the release stated, "and the father told him ‘more than ever.’"
Cheers to Santa's Helpers! That was a class act to say the least! Loved the story.
Posted by: Michael Rodriguez | January 06, 2013 at 08:38 AM