Strangers step up after gifts from charity are stolen

SALEM, Mass. (WHDH) -- Just days before Christmas, a mom found a box of presents from a local charity cut open, emptied and left behind on her doorstep.

Summer Revia had lost some hope this holiday season, but it only took a couple of hours, and a few strangers to lift her Christmas spirit. Strangers have been dropping off gifts in abundance Sunday after hearing Revia’s story.

“This was the only thing I had for my son and now I have nothing,” said Revia.

But, now her tears have turned into tears of joy.

The Salem mom needed help putting presents under the tree for her four-year-old boy. When she got her box of toys from the charity Globe Santa, someone had gotten to it first.

“It was a box just ripped open from the bottom,” said Revia.

“I think this may be the first time a package was opened and left empty,” said Lt. Conrad Prosniewski.

Salem police were saddened by the story. So were a lot of other people who started coming to the police station with presents.

“Turned on the news, heard that heartbreaking story so I feel good giving to a child that needs it. For a kid to wake up Christmas morning and have toys, that means a lot to me,” said a stranger who donated toys.

Just hours after Revia worried Christmas wouldn't come this year, Santa’s helpers came dressed in blue.

Salem police said they have taken dozens of calls from people who want to help. They will drop off the toys Monday afternoon.

If you would like to donate a toy, you can bring it to:

Salem Police Department

95 Margin Street

Salem, MA 01970