What started as an off-duty Wichita police officer trying to find a proper fitting pair of shoes for a local girl, has turned into something much larger.

Wednesday, Michael Chavez, his wife, and a team of people delivered bags of clothes and school supplies to Kylie Hudlin and her 14 year-old brother.

“To think of my kids having to go someplace where shoes didn’t fit really tugs at my heart,” said Chavez, who has four kids of his own.

Chavez was working off-duty at a roller skating rink, when he noticed Kylie taking her shoes off and on. When he asked why, she said they didn’t fit. Chavez found out Kylie didn’t have any other shoes. So, he went home, where he and his wife decided to do something about it.

“It just kind of broke his heart. He came home and told me, and we just kind of looked at each other and instantly knew we had to do something,” said Sherry Chavez. “We just had to help this little girl.”

So they reached out on social media to friends to try and get some shoes. Then, people began to offer much more, and in just a week, a pair of shoes turned into bags of clothes, shoes, and school supplies.

“I think it’s amazing that everyone came together in that one week,” said Michael. “If I was to have a hope for this, it would be that everyone would pick a family or a child that they could help and do what they can.”

The Chavez’ learned Kylie’s father Tom is a single dad, between jobs.

“When we met the father, we realized it wasn’t his fault,” Michael explained. “He was out of work. A proud guy. A really nice guy. Probably the kind of guy who wouldn’t ask for help.”

I asked Tom if it was easy to accept gifts from strangers.

“No, it’s not. I mean, it makes them happy, but it’s a little tough for me,” Tom admitted. “I’ve always prided myself on taking care of my family. It’s not easy to have someone else do what I’m supposed to, you know?”

But Tom saw the joy on his daughter’s face.

“It really reinforces what I’ve taught them, or tried to teach them anyway,” Tom said. “Help people when you can. To see it come around is really nice. It’s a good thing. I hope I can do something for somebody when I get up on my feet.”

Tom hopes to find a full-time job once his kids get back into school. He says that’s all he hopes for, not for any handouts.

Several people and businesses contributed to Wednesday’s donation. If people want to help in any other way, donations will be accepted at the Shelby Brock State Farm business, at 530 Ridge Rd. The Chavez’ say any extra donations will go to the Wichita Children’s Home and Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.