(SIOUX CITY, IA) 1,800 Siouxland children will wake up on Christmas morning with a gift under the tree, thanks to the Salvation Army. It's an annual tradition that makes the holidays happen for more than 700 families in need.
Parents from all over town came to pick out toys for their little ones and even took home a Christmas meal with all the fixings. For one Siouxland family, this day will help brighten the holidays at the end of a long and difficult year.
It was a day full of holiday cheer, as Siouxland families including mom Heather Praster, picked out gifts from the Toy Shoppe just in time for Christmas.
The tables are broken up by ages so each parent gets to choose one big gift and a stocking stuffer for their child.
"We probably wouldn't have anything at home for our children, besides the love that we have for our kids and just being together as a family and having a good meal," says Praster.
But most parents want the very best for their kids, that's why having gifts under the tree is so important.
"It means the world to my family and myself. We have a medical needy son at home, our 9 month old, we have to travel to and from Sioux Falls quite a bit for him and so we're not working, we're both going to school and juggling him and it's been very difficult," she says.
About a week after Heather brought her son Bentley into the world, last February, she noticed something wasn't right. He couldn't turn his neck, and was doing most things from his left side.
Doctors haven't figured out what's wrong, yet, but Bentley has to wear a helmet and stability boots, and since he has a hard time gaining weight, Heather has to buy a special, and very expensive, formula.
That's why Heather is so thankful for the community support.
It's overwhelming at times, because there are so many generous people out there donating toys for kids that are in need, so it's very overwhelming," says Praster.
It's what the Salvation Army has been all about for nearly 125 years, especially during the holidays.
"It's very rewarding experience to help so many people and it's a great way to give back to your community," says Salvation Army volunteer, Jason Uhl.
Bentley is scheduled to get an MRI sometime in January, so doctors can try and figure out what's going on. But until then, Heather plans on spending time with her family, and enjoying the holiday season.
The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers, so if you're interested in giving some of your time, you can call the Sioux City office: http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/siouxcity
1415 Villa Ave
Sioux City, IA 51103
712-255-8836
Hleigh@siouxlandnews.com
www.facebook.com/heatherleighKMEG
