A 7-year-old’s letter to Santa asking for a blanket and food has brought in hundreds of donations to help her and other impoverished children at her school in Edinburg, Texas.
When Monte Cristo Elementary teacher Ruth Espiricueta asked her first-grade students to write letters to Santa, she wasn’t expecting what would happen next.
One student, Crystal Pachecho, asked Santa only for food, a blanket and a ball for her brothers to play with.
“After the kids were gone for the day, I sat down to read the letters,” she told CNN. That’s when she noticed Crystal’s request.
“It just really broke my heart,” said Espiricueta, who was surprised that Crystal had such needs. “She’s always so happy.”
Espiricueta posted the heartbreaking Christmas list on her Facebook page not expecting what would happen next.
“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.”
In just a few days, the school has received around 900 blankets and they are still coming in.
Blankets have come from as far away as New Zealand and Germany — a global response to a young girl’s simple letter to the North Pole.
“This week was an amazing week. People from all over the world came together to make sure a little girls wants and needs were met. Not only did they donate to her but also to our students. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and donations. From all of the students and staff at Monte Cristo Elementary thank you. Many blessings and Merry Christmas.”
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