Coronavirus Can't Spoil Girl's Birthday Thanks To Mini Parade

NEW LENOX, IL — After canceling her birthday party for friends and family due to the coronavirus outbreak, New Lenox 9-year-old Brooke Martenz was still able to have a special celebration with the help of neighbors and the New Lenox Police Department and New Lenox Fire Protection District.

Brooke's mom, Keri, said Brooke was okay with canceling her parties after Keri explained how they had to make sure everyone stays safe, and that they could reschedule later.

"Because she took it so good, we came up with a few things to try and make it extra special for her and surprise her," Keri said.

To celebrate Brooke turning 9, Keri said she had the yard decked out in birthday decorations, and made signs asking people to honk for Brooke's birthday.

"The lawn decorations were a huge hit and the honking was absolutely amazing," Keri said.
"Every time someone drove by our house and honked Brooke would yell 'honkers!' and run to the window to wave."

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Brooke also kept a running tally and ended up getting 64 cars to honk for her birthday, Keri said.

In addition to cars honking, someone dropped off a present and LGM Balloon Decor donated a 5-foot balloon decoration for Brooke's birthday. Not only did neighbors get involved to celebrate, but the New Lenox police and fire departments also showed their support as well.

Earlier this year, Brooke participated in the Cops Care coat drive and collected 115 coats, and she also got to visit the police station and meet some officers, Keri said. Brooke's grandpa decided to call the police department and tell them it was Brooke's birthday, and the department called back and said they'd do a mini parade past Brooke's house.

"We took Brooke outside and she had no clue," Keri said. "Then the next thing you know, seven New Lenox police cars and a New Lenox fire truck came with lights and sirens on past our house just for her birthday."

Keri said the firefighters and officers all turned around and stopped to wish Brooke a happy birthday.

"At the end of the day, I asked Brooke how her birthday was and she looked at me and said it was a 10 out of 10 and we couldn't have made it a 10 out of 10 without everyone's help," Keri said.

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