June is the mother of eight children. She and her kids were left homeless after they picked up and moved from California to Virginia under the impression they could stay with family members. Sadly, their situation didn't work out, and the family was stranded.
For six weeks, June tried connecting with local shelters, but none would take them in. The family was so large it was making it difficult for them to find a place to stay. With no place to go, June would sleep outside on the ground while her children slept in the car.
One day, June's oldest daughter Olivia decided to take a different approach. She wrote an email to her local news station, WTKR. "My mom, she was standing out there holding a sign. People are judging her. I was just looking at the kids while they were sitting in the car thirsty and hungry."
WTKR contacted local homeless shelters, and were able to connect June and her children to a local organization. But just as they were about to move their belongings inside, they happened to meet Norfolk Police Officer Wayne Ricci. The officer was so affected by the story of June and her eight kids that he decided to do the unthinkable. "Just kind of was at a loss. I needed to help her," he said. "It was getting late, it was a real hot that night. I told her to pack the kids up, we’re going to get a hotel."
Officer Ricci secretly paid for the family to stay at a hotel for two nights, completely out of his own pocket. He wasn't looking for anything in return, so he didn't tell anyone about his act of kindness — not even his wife! But the family told WTKR what the officer had done, and WTKR shared the story on their Facebook page. It didn't take long for the community to catch onto the story and come together, ready and willing to continue helping the family. One woman even organized a fundraiser to collect clothes, food, and supplies.
Now, June is looking for work while her oldest daughter watches the kids.
And don't worry… As for Officer Ricci, when he told his wife what he'd done, she was anything but angry.
For every "bad cop" story we hear in the news, it helps to know there are so many more good guys out there. Please SHARE this awesome story with your friends on Facebook!
