Holly MatkinChesterfield, MO – Two generous little boys used a claw machine filled with toilet paper to raise money to help their local police department cover coronavirus-related expenses.
The Chesterfield Police Department (CPD) posted a photo of the boys’ fundraising project to its Facebook page on Monday, praising them for their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
JJ Hoffman, six, and his brother, three-year-old Rocky, set up their outdoor arcade in the driveway of their Chesterfield home, KMOV reported.
But instead of being filled with toys and trinkets, the kids’ claw machine was filled with rolls of much-coveted toilet paper.
“T.P. $5 [for] 3 TRIES. ALL MONEY DONATED TO CHESTERFIELD POLICE,” their sign read.
The kids’ father said he had originally purchased the machine on sale as an incentive to get his boys to do their chores, KMOV reported.
“Neighbors and family came by, friends came by, pretty much anybody that knew where we lived came by and was helping out,” he told the news outlet.
JJ and Rocky’s creative venture raised $400, which they presented to CPD on Tuesday.
“I understand you did something really nice for us,” one of the officers told the boys as they handed him an envelope. “Thank you very much, guys! We are very appreciative of this.”
CPD Sergeant Keith Rider said that the coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone in the community.
“Police officers are not immune to that as well,” he said. “So, the fact that they thought about the police officers – it was very touching to us.”
Not only did the kids’ effort bring smiles to the faces of countless people across the country – they also had a good time running their makeshift arcade.
“I helped some people get the toilet paper,” JJ told KMOV. “And I got one.”
“But I didn’t!” Rocky happily exclaimed.
When KMOV asked Rocky if he is good at operating the claw machine, he and his brother were both quick to answer.
“No,” they agreed in near-unison.