Trooper Provides for Family in the Spirit of Christmas
Vigo County—Today, an Indiana State Police Trooper spread Christmas cheer to a single working mother of three in northern Vigo County.
Trooper Nicole Cheeks, a one-year veteran of the ISP and assigned to the Putnamville Post, followed her heart and delivered Christmas Joy to the Diekoff family on Rosehill Avenue. Utilizing her own money, Cheeks purchased a few toys, including some with the new Star Wars theme, board games, clothing, food items, and personal care products to the three children, Brandon age 8, Hailee age 11, and Lexis age 15.
The idea of helping the family came about after the children developed a rapport with Cheeks as she patrolled their neighborhood. The children would often ask her to stop and talk or approach her patrol vehicle as she sat along Rosehill Avenue monitoring traffic. During one of the many conversations, Trooper Cheeks discovered the family Christmas tree was only a series of Christmas lights affixed to a wall in the shape of a Christmas tree; there was no actual tree. Cheeks investigated further over a few days and when speaking with their mother, Jennifer, and after a little prompting by Cheeks, was able to determine the children might be in need of a few things.
Considerable thought went into this project as Cheeks felt a strong desire to help. Armed with her own money and personal time, Cheeks purchased the items and anxiously waited for Christmas Day. Just after noon today, again on her own time, Cheeks drove to the Diekoff residence and surprised the children.
“It was simply amazing and words cannot express how gratifying this was to help this family. It was truly an honor”, commented Trooper Nicole Cheeks.
The attached picture is from today during the event. Not in the picture was Lexis.
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