(FOUNTAIN, Colo.) — The Fountain Police Department (FPD) responded to a call regarding a severely emaciated child on Monday morning, Aug. 5. Upon arrival, officers found more than what the call revealed.

When detectives responded, they learned the 7-year-old child and the child’s mother had not eaten anything for several days. They both were in desperate need of medical treatment and the Fountain Fire Department (FFD) transported both patients to the hospital.

Due to the severity of the malnutrition on both the child and the mother, The Department of Human Services was notified as well as several other entities to help provide services.

Detectives and firefighters quickly reached out to the community for help via social media. One community member brought an air conditioning unit for the pair, while personnel with FFD reached out to God’s Pantry to get enough food to fill the pantry for the family of two. The City of Fountain said the Fountain Housing Authority is also working with them to keep the power on and help figure out a solution, although the family is several months behind on rent.

“Thank you to the community member and to God’s Pantry for selflessly donating items to help this family in need,” the city expressed on Facebook. “There are also several local churches that we have contacted who plan to come alongside the family and offer support. We appreciate all of you and we are grateful for the kindness you have shown to people you have never even met.”

Detectives said that if medical treatment had not been provided to the 7-year-old and the mother, they would not have survived for more than a few days.

“This situation reminds us of the incredible strength and compassion that defines our community. When one of our own faces a difficult time, we come together to offer support and compassion,” the city said via social media. “This is what it means to be a community!