Today's crumb comes from a faithful reader in Redlands, CA, USA. Sarah Robinson went to Wal-Mart in Roeland Park, KS, this month and tried to steal diapers, baby wipes and children's shoes. She was caught by the store manager, who called police. Roeland Park officer Mark Engravalle responded, issuing her a citation for misdemeanor theft. She and her six children were gathered in the parking lot crying, certain that Mom would go to jail. Robinson told Engravalle her family had struggled since her husband drowned in 2011. They were now living in their car, which had recently been robbed. She had no choice but to steal. Engravalle noticed the children were barefoot, so instead of arresting Robinson he returned to Wal-Mart and quietly purchased the items she tried to steal. He even let her daughters pick out their own shoes. "Obviously she is going through a tough time," he said, spending $300 of his own cash. Robinson was overwhelmed, calling his response "a shocker."
Sarah Robinson and officer Mark Engravalle
"He's a really good guy with a compassionate heart," said police chief John Morris. Everyone was impressed except Engravalle. "I didn't give it a second thought," he explained. "I just wanted to do right by the children." Since then, the police department has received many calls from people wishing to help the family. A local radio station recently raised more than $6,000 for them. "I'm so appreciative," said Robinson. "I'm embarrassed that I was stealing, but it couldn't go to more deserving girls." If you'd like to help, send donations to "The Sarah Robinson Donation Account" at The Mission Bank, 5115 Roe Blvd., Roeland Park, KS 66205.
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