Virginia Fire Fighters Honor Birthday Charity Wish

July 14, 2009 – When the parents of one Hampton, Virginia, girl asked what she wanted for her ninth birthday, Sunshine Williams knew immediately she wanted to help Hampton’s K-9 unit. Instead of presents, she wanted to raise money so that the brave dogs could have bullet proof vests.

“We were really inspired by her story on the local news,” says Chris Kenney, president of Hampton Local 2450. “Most kids want the latest video game for their birthdays and would not think of donating their birthday money to someone else. Local 2450’s Community Action Committee agreed to donate $500, the cost of one canine bullet proof vest.”

Williams had seen a television show about how some K-9 units were investing in bullet proof vests, but many could not afford to do so. After calling her local police department, she discovered that none of the local K-9 unit dogs was outfitted with the vests.

With the help of her parents, she spread the word that she was asking family and friends to donate money to the local K-9 unit instead of buying her presents. Williams raised more than $3,000 – enough to buy six bullet proof vests for the Hampton Police K-9 unit.