When it comes to making a difference in the world, small acts of kindness can go quite a long way.
In North Port, FL, Daniel Nicastro was about to turn 8 years old. The young boy, who also happens to be autistic, had previously had two birthdays where no one showed up to celebrate with him.
Heartbroken, his parents Carolyn and Dan vowed that this year would be different.
These incredible parents marched down to the North Port Police Department and invited them all to help celebrate Daniel's birthday. Daniel thought of these police officers as superheroes, so Carolyn and Dan thought it would be worth a shot.
But, they absolutely never expected what happened next. Daniel's father recalled to NBC News 8, "I was actually like, 'Oh my God, what's going on?'"
Scroll through below to see how the amazing officers with the North Port Police Department gave one little boy the most memorable birthday ever!
The city of North Port in Florida is quite fortunate to have one of the finest — and kindest — police departments.
The North Port PD recently posted a beautiful photo and story on Facebook.
They recently posted the words of Carolyn Nicastro, mother of Daniel. Their Facebook page shared her letter:
"It was my son Daniel's 8th birthday. No one called to say they were coming to his birthday party."
"Both myself and his father were heartbroken (it's happened before).
"He absolutely adores the police and calls all of you his Super Heroes. He is autistic so making friends is extremely difficult for him.
"His father (Dan) and I remembered the past 2 years of no one showing up for his birthday parties, he would spend the day crying that he had no friends. We could not let that happen again."
"So when it came closer to the day of his party and nobody called, we decided to be proactive and bring invitations to the police department.
"We were not given any promises. We just hoped. Daniel had no idea."
"While playing with his cousin Adam Sunday at McKibben Park, he saw a large line of police cars coming down the road.
"He was so excited! His favorite friends came to his party. He is still talking about it being the best birthday ever!
"Thank you North Port Police Department. You made my son's birthday extra special with his favorite super heroes!"
The incredible story didn't end there.
The North Port PD is now organizing a community party to help the entire town celebrate in a couple of weeks.
They posted on Facebook: "We are going to keep the love flowing. Volunteers with the North Port Police Department are currently organizing a community birthday bash for not just Daniel but any other child in our community who has felt left out.
"We want all our kids to know how special they are and see how much our community cares for them."
But prior to this bash taking place in July, the department has been receiving quite a bit of praise and attention from news organizations and ordinary citizens around the country.
The North Port Police Department told LittleThings, "Our dispatch has been overwhelmed with love and support — amazing the impact a small act of kindness has."
The wonderful way they showed up for Daniel, and soon for others just like Daniel, is an absolute inspiration.
They made this photo of Daniel their community bash invite, posting on Facebook: "We can achieve anything, North Port!"
Their kindness, generosity, and devotion to their hometown is a great example of how small acts can make an enormous impact.
What do you think of this beautiful story? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this story to put a smile on the face of someone you love!
