“The first day of school is supposed to be about new shoes, fresh supplies, and nervous smiles. But for 7-year-old Leslie Gonzales in Phoenix, it began with heartbreak.
She walked into school with no backpack, no supplies—just tears. Through sobs, she told a staff member her mom couldn’t afford one for two weeks.
Officer Ben Carro saw her sadness and couldn’t ignore it. He called his partner, Officer Jon McLachlan, and together they made a quick choice: they drove to Target.
Not just any backpack—a pink plaid one, the kind that would make her proud. They filled it with a matching lunch box, water bottle, crayons, pencils, folders, everything a little girl could need.
By the time Leslie finished her first class, the officers walked in and called her name. She stepped forward shyly… and then her whole face lit up. The tears were gone, replaced by the brightest smile.
Her first day started in tears but ended in triumph—all because two officers decided no child should feel left behind.
For Leslie, that backpack wasn’t just full of supplies.
It was full of dignity.
It was full of hope.”
[Phoenix Police Department]