Paying it forward: Police surprise 5-year-old who brought them lunch

A South Jersey boy who wanted to do something nice for his local police got a big surprise Tuesday to make his dream come true.

With lights and sirens blaring, an entourage of Winslow Township police vehicles arrived in his Sicklerville neighborhood to show their appreciation to William Evertz Jr.

Last Wednesday, the boy, age 5, used his allowance to purchase lunch for the department and declared it "Happy Kindness Day."

William - known by his family as "Bubba" - had been saving his allowance for months to buy a Power Wheels police car. He earned the money by doing chores around his home.

The story of his generosity went viral, and strangers moved by his gesture offered to purchase the car. "Our world needs more people like him and his family," a reader wrote.

The officers in the 72-member department, too, were touched. They pooled their money and purchased the miniature battery-operated police car, said Lt. Christopher Dubler.

On their Facebook page, the department said the car was given "as a thank you for lunch and being such a great kid."

William appeared stunned when Officer Dubler escorted him from his home outside to a police trailer. Inside was a customized Power Wheels police car.

The car was detailed with specially made Winslow Township Police decals and stickers and a license plate that reads "Bubba." It's marked No. 006 - William's favorite number.

"He was definitely in shock. He was over-the-moon excited," said his mother, Tara. "They really delivered an entourage to make him feel very special."

William got the idea to help others after watching a YouTube video that showed someone donating money to help a person in need, his mother said.

In addition to thanking police, William donated toys and school supplies to a Philadelphia domestic-violence shelter and food and toys to a Blackwood animal shelter.

His allowance of about $125 wasn't enough for his purchases so his parents matched his savings.

William, who wants to be a police officer, starts kindergarten next week at Winslow School No. 3.

"If his story touches one person to do something nice for someone else, that's what it's all about," his mother said. "It's about a little boy who wanted to do something nice."

mburney@phillynews.com

856-779-3814 @mlburney