During all of the hullabaloo surrounding the Christmas season, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there are thousands of children living in the United States who don’t have access to adequate food or basic necessities at home.
Videos by InspireMore
One teacher at Monte Cristo Elementary in Edinburg, Texas, got a painful reminder of this fact when she asked her class to write a letter to Santa Claus. When 7-year-old Crystal Pachecho told Santa that all she wanted for Christmas was food, a blanket, and a toy she could share with her younger brother, her teacher nearly broke down in tears.
Teacher Ruth Espiricueta posted the photo of Crystal’s letter on her Facebook page, and what came next was an outpouring of love and support that reached this small Texas town from places as far away as Germany and New Zealand.
Facebook
Ruth shared Crystal’s letter with this comment:
“This makes me very sad. When your students ask for food, blankets, or a bed instead of toys.
As a teacher it breaks my heart when I hear them ask for things that we sometimes take for granted.
Hopefully I will be able to fulfill at least one of their Christmas wishes.”
Within days of sharing Crystal’s note on Facebook, the school received over 900 blankets from all over the world… and they’re still pouring in!
“Wrappinbg away for tomorrow’s blanket distribution,” Ruth commented on the video above.
“You did this, Ruth,” reads another comment.
Facebook
Soon, the blanket drive turned into a toy drive, and the entire community got involved.
Facebook
Ruth has been keeping people updated on the toy and blanket drive’s progress on Facebook, thanking everyone who donated for their generosity.
Thanks to these donations, Crystal and many other children will have a warm blanket, food, and some new toys under their tree this year.
Facebook
What a terrific reminder for all of us to look beyond the smile and make sure that all children in our community are receiving everything they need this Christmas.
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