2020 has been a hard year for everyone, with many people losing their jobs and struggling to pay bills.

As the holidays came, many parents found themselves unable to provide their children with an extravagant dinner or gifts. So, when Matt Lima, a police officer in Massachusetts was called in by a grocery shop to arrest a family who was caught shoplifting food, he acted from his heart.

On questioning the family, Officer Lima realized that the family could not afford food, but still wanted to do something special for their children for the holidays.  Instead of arresting them, Officer Lima gave them a trespass order and didn’t press any charges. Trespass orders are much less consequential than charges which require a fine or even jail time. Instead of punishing them, Officer Lima bought the family gift cards worth $250 from his pocket so that they could buy dinner for the holidays. 

When asked why he decided to help the family out, he answered, “The two children reminded me of my kids, so I had to help them out...I just tried to put myself in that family’s shoes and show a little bit of empathy.”

Empathy is so important, especially in these harsh times. What is a kind gesture that you would do for others?

Source: BBC