Community helps replace Christmas gifts stolen from sick mom of five

TAMPA - Ana Perez's greatest gift is her five boys, ages two to ten. She spent every dime she could spare to buy them gifts.

Police say someone stole them all by going through a window in her home. "How can people do things like that?" asked Ana.  "It's the holidays, it's Christmas, and it's gifts for kids."

Ana and the boys weren't there.  She has been staying with her parents a block away because her heater was not working.

She chose to the spend money on her boys to give them a Christmas.  It's a gift of joy Ana needs to give herself.  Ana has cancer.

"I have to cherish every single day I have with my kids. I need to make these memories last. I can be fine today, and tomorrow wake up and be rushed to the hospital."

Two years ago, she was a bank teller.  Now she is scraping by on disability checks.

Police say the robber stole 450 dollars worth of gifts.  However, the mother of five feels sympathy for the thief.  "Whoever took it enjoy it, I wish them the best."

After listening to her story, I wanted to go beyond letting you know police are searching for a robber.  So I took Ana to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and introduced her to David Braughton, the agency's CEO.

"We help families in crisis," Braughton explained to a tearful Ana.  He then showed her there really is a Santa Claus

"Do you think this will help?" he asked, bringing in a huge box and a bag full of toys, along with wrapping paper, bows and ribbons.

Ana was overwhelmed with emotion.  "Yes it will," she cried.

The bags and boxes of toys that were prepared for Ana's boys did not replace the gifts Ana bought.  Ana had to buy necessities, like clothes.

David and his team took care of that, too. They gave Ana gift cards to replace the clothes and let her pick out new shoes and clothes.

"I wish people would come to us because we exist to serve," said Braughton.

Walking through the doors of the agency was a wish come true for Ana.  It was also a chance for us to help.  ABC Action News is a part of the community, and wants to make a difference.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone:  to you, to the station, to the Crisis Center, and to make everything possible for my kids to have a good and happy Christmas," said Ana.  "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't want to cry on TV. But yes, Thank you, thank you, thank you."

This is just the beginning. The Crisis Center has opened a file and plans on helping Ana long-term as well.

The detective who was assigned the case was so moved, he is also collecting gifts for the family.