Young boy donates savings to Greenfield Police Department

GREENFIELD (WITI) -- A donation to the Greenfield Police Department makes a big impact -- not for the size of the donation, but for the size of the donor. On Friday afternoon, September 13th, the Greenfield Police Department had a visitor -- an 11-year-old boy who gave his savings to police for very special reasons.

The boy can be seen on surveillance video dropping off a bag of coins on Friday afternoon.

"I've never had that happen in my 29 years here," Greenfield Assistant Police Chief Paul Schlecht said.

The young boy showed up alone.

"He set it on the counter and said to the clerk, 'I want to donate my money to the police department,'" Schlecht said.

The boy walked away before the clerk could get his name or ask why he gave away his $10.03 -- but FOX6 News caught up with the boy on Monday, and the clerk that accepted his donation.

"At first the way he was looking I thought 'is he lost?' He was by himself and so young looking I was like 'okay can I help you?'" the clerk, Brittany Eickhorst said.

Police were able to track down the boy on Monday. He is Max Siepert -- a Greenfield Middle School sixth-grader (see full interview below).

"I was a little nervous because I haven't done that before. I just walked up to her and said 'I would like to donate this money to the Greenfield Police Department' and she was a little confused and said 'okay,' and I said 'goodbye' and walked away," Siepert told FOX6 News.

When some 11-year-old boys would save up for candy or an Xbox, why would Siepert donate his savings?

"In social studies class we learned about 9/11 and all the great things the police and fire department did," Siepert said.

In fact, Siepert's grandfather was a Milwaukee Police Officer who died in a squad crash in 1974.

Siepert says he raised the $10.03 by doing talent shows in his backyard and asking family members for change.

"I was happy that I did what I did because one day it's going to make a difference. Maybe not a really big difference but at least it's something," Siepert said.

Now, Siepert says he hopes his story will inspire others.

"If everyone, if every person would do that, we would have such a great world. It would be awesome," Siepert said.

"To have someone come in and show their appreciation for the men and women that work here at the Greenfield Police Department is very refreshing," Schlecht said.

The money donated will be used by the Greenfield Police Department and will be put towards a fund used for equipment and police work.