Kind hearts help save Christmas for dozens of kids
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AUBURN, Wash. -- Dozens of children bracing for a Christmas without presents are getting a sweet surprise from Secret Santa at their school.
Lea Hill Elementary had more families needing holiday help than it could afford to buy presents for. So we got a hold of their Christmas list.
Teachers, parents, children and churchgoers have purchased presents for the school's giving tree. But the list of families in need was longer than the school had time or money to manage.
So the Problem Solvers stepped in with coats, underwear, games and pajamas for all 27 kids on the waiting list.
We hauled holiday bags into the school, and scratched off the waiting list the names that had been turned in by teachers.
"These families don't even know that they were on our tree," said teacher Connie Say-O'Donnell.
And one by one, we removed the white paper ornaments from the giving tree, knowing those children will now have gifts under their tree this Christmas.
Schools around the state are dealing with the same problem. You can quickly contact your school to see how you can help. or you can stop by a Fred Meyer store in Tacoma, Issaquah or Lynnwood on Thursday for the Problem Solvers Toy Drive.
Lea Hill Elementary had more families needing holiday help than it could afford to buy presents for. So we got a hold of their Christmas list.
Teachers, parents, children and churchgoers have purchased presents for the school's giving tree. But the list of families in need was longer than the school had time or money to manage.
So the Problem Solvers stepped in with coats, underwear, games and pajamas for all 27 kids on the waiting list.
We hauled holiday bags into the school, and scratched off the waiting list the names that had been turned in by teachers.
"These families don't even know that they were on our tree," said teacher Connie Say-O'Donnell.
And one by one, we removed the white paper ornaments from the giving tree, knowing those children will now have gifts under their tree this Christmas.
Schools around the state are dealing with the same problem. You can quickly contact your school to see how you can help. or you can stop by a Fred Meyer store in Tacoma, Issaquah or Lynnwood on Thursday for the Problem Solvers Toy Drive.
I am trying to find some info as to where to possibly help a family of nine in Renton, seven of which are children. The 5 youngest NEED coats, they don't have one at all. Also, the 4 youngest boys need beds they sleep in blankets on the floor right now, they actually need 2 sets of bunk beds. The youngest girl needs a bed as well. They have no table to eat at and only 1 broken char for the living room. Yes, they have a roof over there head and food to eat but that is about the extent of it. Boys are 6,7,9, 14 and 19. The girls are 7 and 18.
 @Susan Dowell Let me know if this family received any help?
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 @Susan Dowell For clothing, you can point them here:  http://www.rentonclothesbank.org/about.htm
They might know of other resources for furniture and household goods. Â
As a parent of a child from the Lea Hill Elementary, I thank KOMO News and Problem Solvers from the bottom of my heart for the help!
What an AWESOME GESTURE!
I'm super thankful for all of these families.
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(I wish we could have a "giving tree" too-- sadly, it has been deemed too religious at our school.
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 @WA State Mom I am not a very religious type but I agree that to many things are being changed. Americans have a CULTURE and the powers that be are letting other change it. Merry Christmas to you and your family.