PEORIA, Ill. — 11-year-old Anthony “AJ” Gallion was injured in a hit-and-run incident on Oct. 1, leaving him with a broken leg, swollen eye and a concussion.
Because of his injuries, Gallion was not able to continue working to save money for something he really wanted, a PlayStation 4.
“He was mowing yards and can be seen in photos on Facebook assisting in flipping houses,” said Traffic Unit Officer Michael Bishoff in a message to fellow officers.
“Since the crash he has been immobilized and bummed about not being able to buy the PlayStation that he had been saving for.
“I would like to take up a collection and purchase a gift card for Best Buy to assist in the purchase of a PlayStation for Anthony.”
Bishoff then placed a couple envelopes throughout the Peoria Police Department.
“I was originally going get a gift card,” said Bishoff.
“Through the course of the donations and everyone in the department giving whatever they were able to, we were able to come up with enough to purchase the complete PlayStation and give him a gift card so he could get some games.”
Bishoff delivered it Friday afternoon to Gallion.
His reaction?
“He essentially ripped it out of my hands,” said Bishoff.
“You could see the smile from ear to ear.
“To say he was joyed, I think, would be an understatement.”
Bishoff also said following a series of surgeries, Gallion’s recovery was going well.
Bishoff requested WMBD News give a “shoutout” to his fellow officers who helped to make the gift to Gallion possible.
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