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Teen is Santa for a needy area child REMEMBERING A SPECIAL SANTA Spotsylvania teenager gives up her birthday money to buy gifts for someone she doesn't even know
BY CATHY DYSON Alison Davis got excited when the holidays rolled around because this would be the third Christmas she and her mom bought gifts for a needy child. The 13-year-old liked playing Santa. She and her mom, Glorymae Martin, would go to the American Red Cross office, and Alison would leaf through "Letters to Santa" until she found someone who shared her interest in collectible cards and Japanese animation. "It was fun because you knew on Christmas morning they were gonna, like, wake up and be all, like, 'Wow, look what I got' instead of, like, having nothing," Alison said. Things were different this year. As much as Alison's mother wanted to help another child, she couldn't afford it. Martin is a single mother who provides day care in her home. Her clients have dwindled as the economy has worsened. Plus, Martin got custody of her 14-year-old niece this summer, so the Spotsylvania County woman already was doing more with less. She warned both girls there wouldn't be as many presents under the tree. Martin had to tell Alison they couldn't help with the Santa program, not this year. Alison had other ideas. The Spotsylvania Middle School eighth-grader had almost $70 left from her birthday in September. Why couldn't she use that to buy gifts? And why couldn't she sell some things she didn't use anymore to raise more money? Her mother was inspired. The two had a garage sale, and Martin got rid of some of her NASCAR items--except for her prized possession, a plate signed by Tony Stewart. Alison tossed in books, clothes and Bratz dolls she doesn't play with anymore. The two raised $100. Added to Alison's birthday money, they had $170 to make Christmas merry for someone they didn't even know. "We were excited," Martin said. "We did good." Alison picked out the recipient: a boy who, like her, enjoys Pokemon accessories and Naruto cards, which tell the story of an adolescent ninja. Mom was struck by his requests. He didn't ask for anything outrageous--just a coat, clothes and school supplies. The boy had written on his form that he loves the Cowboys, so the mom and daughter got him a Dallas coat and backpack. They tossed in several Japanese toys and cards, along with a few shirts from Aeropostale and a football from a discount store. Then Alison's mom went to the closet where she keeps extra stacks of paper and pencils--which she buys on sale--and loaded their gift bag with school items any teenager could use. Alison had a dollar left when she finished, but her mother knows the lesson she learned was priceless. "On Christmas, he's gonna be kinda shocked to see all that under the tree," Alison said. "And I'm gonna be happy, because I know he's already up and has a big smile on his face." Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Date published: 12/25/2008
My 6 year old sounds very similar to Allison. She is always wanting to help other kids and even offers to sell her toys to do so. I hope I'm able to cultivate this desire as well as you have. Great job Mom!
What a great holiday story!
The boy who is the recipient, Alison knowing he is so
excited today, Glorymae for raising such an awesome
daughter. That's what it is all about - if you've been blessed then pass a blessing on.
Mom, you should be very proud of the selfless daughter you have raised. May we all remember to raise our children as thoughtful and caring individuals, such as this outstanding young lady. Merry Christmas!
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