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For her seventh birthday, girl asks for stuffed animals to donate to Sevierville police

Zoe told police she wanted to help in her own way, so she donated several stuffed animals to the Sevierville Police Department so on-call officers can pass them along to children in need of a calming presence.
Sgt. Matt Nicol (left) and Chief Joe Manning (right) pose with stuffed animals that Zoe Williams (center) donated (Photo: SPD)

A young girl is helping both Sevierville police and local children with a generous birthday donation.

When Zoe Williams celebrated her seventh birthday, the Sevierville Police Department said they received a visit from her and her mother who were looking for a way to give back to the community instead of receiving gifts.

The two had attended a Child Abuse Awareness event hosted by the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center a few months prior to the visit and met with SPD Sgt. Matt Nicol, who showed her his patrol vehicle.

At the time, Nicol had several stuffed animals in the trunk, explaining to Zoe that officers give them to children they encounter who may be scared or worried.

SPD said Zoe knew what she was going to do then and there, so for her seventh birthday she asked her friends to give her stuffed animals instead of gifts so she could donate them to officers.

Zoe meets with K9 Blitz and his handler, Officer Caleb Brien

She presented the gifts to Sgt. Nicol so officers can help children they encounter who might be scared. The SPD thanked her for her generous donation.

"Zoe's thoughtful and caring gesture will no doubt help many children," the SPD said. "And although we're sure she didn't intend to, it has also affected many of us at the police department. She has lifted our spirits and reminded us that we are so fortunate and blessed to have an opportunity to help people every day."

The SPD said anyone that wishes to follow in Zoe's footsteps should first call them at (865) 868-1866.

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