The Parkville community pulled together this holiday season to help out a single mother and her family.
Kala and her two young daughters have developed a special relationship with the Parkville Police Department and the Parkville community over the last few weeks. During a service call earlier this year, officers noticed the family didn’t have furniture and decided to help out.
The Boardwalk Walmart donated furniture, which was assembled and delivered by Parkville police officers, chief of police Kevin Chrisman and mayor Nan Johnston just before Christmas. The family was also able to participate in the city’s annual Shop with a Cop event.
“It is a great day when you can put smiles on the faces of a mother and her young daughters during a time of need,” Chrisman said. “I credit our strong community partnerships for making this significant event happen for these wonderful people. I also want to the thank the men and women of our fine police department for their commitment and professionalism by displaying compassion and empathy toward those we serve on a daily basis.”
There was one last surprise in store for the family when they were invited for a tour of city hall on Thursday, Dec. 27. The police department and members of the community surprised the family with a new car.
Several local businesses worked together to help prepare the vehicle for the family. Mike Higdon, owner of Arrow Tow, donated a 2002 Toyota Camry; Dave McKahan, owner of Dave’s Foreign Car Repair, donated approximately $800 in parts and labor to make the car operational; and Rand Best, Best Battery, donated a new battery.
In addition to the car, Kevin Heaton, owner of Stone Canyon Pizza, donated a $50 gift certificate and a certificate for 12 pizzas throughout 2019. Mitch Weber, Toto TV Productions, donated his time to capture the moment when the car and gift certificates were presented to the family. The video is available online at https://youtu.be/cpe6ilZBbfc.
JEANETTE FAUBION/Citizen photos
Parkville chief of police Kevin Chrisman speaks to television media who attended the surprise unveiling last week of a new car for a Parkville family in need.