FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The lights could be seen from down a street as Fort Lauderdale officers made their way to a different kind of house call Wednesday.
The police were bringing supplies to a family that was recently displaced from their Miami apartment due to a fire. Now, 14 children are living in the Fort Lauderdale home with their grandparents.
"To raise 14 kids -- that saying about a village -- well we need a big village here," Ofc. Robert Norvis said.
The children started racking up absences at school and when officers checked on the house they saw the situation and decided to step in.
Norvis led the efforts through his contacts, social media and his son’s high school organization.
Pretty soon donations came pouring in, which including three air conditioning units, the families doesn’t work anymore, along with mattresses, bed frames, bedding and boxes full of clothing
"We got everything from baby clothes, high school clothes," Norvis said. "Home Depot is bringing a refrigerator later."
Also on the list, stuffed animals and a bike for the children.
"It's all about the kids, it's not about us, it's about the kids," Norvis said.
The family is looking forward to going through the boxes and are grateful to the donors.