KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A cash-strapped single Missouri mother didn’t blink when her 12-year-old daughter suggested the household donate lottery winnings to a Kansas City police officer who was shot recently in the line of duty.
Shetara Sims, with only $7 to her name, found a $1 bill, bought a scratch-off ticket and won $100, KMBC reported.
A small act of kindness can inspire others. Struggling single mother donates lottery winnings to Mo. officer shot in line of duty https://t.co/C6bjzpH9il
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 21, 2020
“I said, ‘We should donate it to the police officer that got shot for his family to go eat and see him,’” Sims’ daughter Rakiya Edmondson told the TV station, recounting the family’s hardship eight years ago when her sister, Karyia, was killed and they first interacted with the Kansas City Police Department.
“The detectives were really there for us. They were there for us more than anyone I can imagine. They did things they didn’t have to do,” Sims told KMBC, noting officers sent daily messages, made family visits and more.
“They came to see my kids. They did a lot. They were fathers, therapists. They were everything,” Sims said.
When the police department discovered Sims’ selfless gesture – which took several days – officers helped set up a GoFundMe account, WDAF reported. By Tuesday night, donations to the account neared $20,000.
“To hear her call and just express thanks for no reason … it’s really impactful to us,” Sgt. Jake Becchina told the TV station.
Sims told KMBC the KCPD gave her family hope following the worst day of her life.
“They were good for us,” Sims said.
The Kansas City Police Department stated the injured officer, who was shot July 2 and left in critical condition, is recovering well, WDAF reported.
Cox Media Group
