Local Sheriff Steps In When Autistic Six-Year-Old Has No One Show Up For Party

The Osceola County, FL Sheriff's Office responded to a different kind of plea for help last week.

The plea came on Facebook from the mother of six-year-old Glenn Buratti. Glenn's mother Ashlee had invited all 16 of her son's classmates to a birthday party for the slightly-autistic boy ... and not one showed up. When she posted a message expressing her disappointment on the St. Cloud, FL social media site, the local Sheriff's office and others decided they would try to make a difference.

Ashlee Buratti had said that the boy loved things related to law enforcement, so the Sheriff's office coordinated visits by on-duty police officers on patrol to wish Glenn a happy birthday, according to department spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain. They raised money to buy gifts for the child, and even arranged for the department's helicopter to fly over the boy's house. While it did not land, Buratti told Orlando television station WKMG that he smiled and waved the entire time it was overhead.

Several fire crews also put in an appearance. Media reports say that people who did not know the Burattis but live in St. Cloud asked if they could bring their children over for the party. In all, about 40 people eventually showed up to eat cake and offer gifts to Glenn, including a new bicycle.

(Image from Facebook)

FMI: www.osceolasheriff.org