Pierce County deputies buy groceries for hungry family

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Pierce County deputies bought and delivered groceries in late June to a family in need.

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Officials say two deputies responded on June 23 to conduct a welfare check at a home in Spanaway. When they arrived, they found a single mother alone with three children and without food.

The mother’s boyfriend had wrecked her only vehicle, police said.

With their supervisor’s permission, the deputies drove to Walmart and each filled a cart with groceries.

"A shopper who had previously been arrested by one of the deputies asked what they were doing. The deputies explained there was a mother and children in need and they were shopping for them. Before the deputies made it to the checkout, the shopper brought them juice and milk, which he had purchased, and said he wanted to help," officials with the Pierce Co. Sheriff's Dept. wrote.

The deputies then returned to the family’s home; the mother cried in disbelief when she saw the groceries.

Police also arranged for DSHS officials to contact the mother and ensure that she received assistance.

“Please join us in thanking these deputies for going beyond the call of duty, and the citizen for lending a helping hand,” department officials wrote.

Cox Media Group