North Little Rock, Arkansas – A beloved and well-known local police officer is celebrating his birthday, and his biggest present will benefit a significant neighborhood institution.
Tommy Norman, a North Little Rock police officer, frequently spends the afternoons at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas. Even though this visit included a present for the kids, his birthday on Tuesday was the same as always.
An unnamed couple from Georgia who have been following Norman’s efforts to make a difference on social media contacted him with the desire to help a good cause in honor of his birthday. Norman decided on the Boys & Girls Club in a flash.
Norman claimed he had no knowledge that this would lead to a promise to match donations made to the charity up to $15,000 in amount. The pair is hoping that by doing this, more people will donate to the cause.
“$15,000 to come from the hands of an anonymous couple hundreds of miles from here…it’s something that will be remembered for the rest of these kids lives,” Norman said. “This is probably the biggest birthday gift I have ever received, out of all my 51 birthdays.”
Boys and Girls Clubs are more than just a physical location, according to Norman. They provide children with safe havens and frequently help to shape their destiny.
“I’ve been a police officer in this city for a quarter of a century and some kids- they don’t have anywhere to go,” Norman said. “The Boys and Girls Club is a safe place for kids to come to. It is right in the community where kids can come, they can have mentors, get education, get fed.”
Tuesday, Norman spoke to the group of children at the club in North Little Rock, discussing this gift and its significance. In shorts and sneakers for this visit, he had a slightly different appearance.
“I didn’t wear my police uniform today because I don’t want you to know me as a man in the uniform, I want you to look at me as your friend,” he told the kids.
CEO of the Central Arkansas Boys and Girls Club Cindy Doramus stated that the gift is not only appreciative but also very beneficial for this site. Making extensive repairs to their gym is one thing that is urgently needed right now.
Once more, the couple’s gift includes a promise to donate a matching amount of up to $15,000. Donations can be made online by anyone who wish to do so.