Stranger Steps In After Donated Toys Stolen In Framingham
FRAMINGHAM (CBS) - Nearly $2000 worth of donated toys were stolen from a driveway in Framingham Monday, leading charity organizers to fear that many families won't be receiving gifts this Christmas -- until a complete stranger came to the rescue.
Eleven-year-old Tim Gilbert helped to collect nearly 100 children's toys and money to donate to families in need this holiday season. Gilbert had a list of 300 children and each child was expected to receive five toys.
"I just really like helping people, and it's fun doing it with friends and family," Gilbert told WBZ-TV's Katie Brace.
"I just felt really sad because it's kind of like ruining it for other people,"
Gilbert's mother, Sharon, had started the charity organization Timothy's Toy Box when Tim was only 3-years-old. The gifts are typically stored in a box on the driveway so families are able to pick them up anonymously.
Late Monday afternoon, someone stole nearly 100 presents.
"We were very sad last night, especially thinking how are we going to help these people," Gilbert's mother said.
But the mother-son duo received a remarkable surprise gift from a stranger.
Greg Anderson had never met Sharon or Tim, but heard about the stolen presents. Andreson buys toys throughout the year for Toys for Tots. This year, he donated half of his gifts to Timothy's Toy Box.
"I heard this story and I felt so bad because I know it's getting close to crunch time," Andreson said.
The Gilberts held back tears of happiness as they saw a restocked pile of donations from a stranger who likely saved Christmas for many deserving families.
"I am so excited we got a bunch of toys to give to the kids," Gilbert said.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON
