GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--Kids all over the world go to sleep on Christmas Eve dreaming of the presents Santa will leave under the tree for them. But for some kids, the reality is much different. According to the US Census Bureau, nearly 20 percent of kids across the state live in poverty.
"It's a big struggle for us right now."
Nichole Statham has four children: 9-years-old, 8-years-old, 5-years-old and just 6 months old.
"It's more important for them because I'm older now," Statham said. "I want them to have everything I didn't have when I was growing up and it's just a family time. That's how I look at it.
Nichole is between jobs and getting her children presents this year wasn't possible.
"It's very hard because every other year I've always worked so I could give my kids everything that they needed or wanted and this year I can't. It's really hard and it hurts. I feel like less of a mother," said Statham.
Then, the local Toys R Us surprised her with two presents each for her children.
"My heart is warm, like my body is tingling. It feels so good. I'm so thankful and happy," Statham said. "It's not the gifts. It's just more of me wanting it for them and seeing them happy and smiling. It feels good to know they have something to open."
Toys R Us also donated presents for another family this Christmas who did not want to appear on camera.
