Central Texas News Now put out a call for help and the community had an overwhelming response.
At least 6,000 local children in CPS care will have their holiday wishes granted thanks to the generosity of Central Texas and one child's wish is especially heart-warming.
The elves have been busy and the warehouse bustling at Partnerships for Children.
"I think we're all coming down from a high right now but it's still fun to see the caseworkers come in and shop and pick out the perfect gift for their kids," said Heidi Martindale.
The non-profit's "Holiday Wishes" program got a big surprise this year.
"This year we think we're going to serve at least 6,000 kids which is 800 more than we had in past years and it's amazing to see our community come together to support these efforts. We are one small non-profit that couldn't do it without the community," said Martindale.
Martindale is the "Forever Families" coordinator for PFC and works with Central Texas News Now to bring you the stories of local foster children featured in The Heart Gallery of Central Texas that are ready for adoption.
The same children will wake up with the gifts they wished for from Santa.
"One of the little boys on his wish list asked for a tuxedo and he asked for a tuxedo so he would look good when he met his family. And that one has us by the heartstrings," said Martindale.
"Will he get the tuxedo?" asked Central Texas News Now Anchor Lindsay Liepman.
"Yes! We got him a tuxedo," said Martindale.
The 8-year-old is waiting for his forever family like so many others in Central Texas and even though CPS caseworkers have picked up the gifts to deliver to the children on their list, requests are still coming in.
"It's heartwarming that kids who come into care up until the day of Christmas can still have a Christmas," said Martindale.
And the giving season never stops when it comes to filling the gap for foster children and those in CPS care year round.
"Being that we had almost 800 more kids than in the past, it's never too late. We still have kids rolling in so if anyone is interested in general gifts, we would so appreciate that," said Martindale.
You can donate to PFC by going to their website and clicking on the "Donate to Holiday Wishes" link.
A photographer is expected to capture the Christmas morning excitement of the little boy who asked for the tuxedo. Many of the 800 children new to the "Holiday Wishes" program came specifically from Waco but all 6,000 children are here in Central Texas.
"Forever Families" airs every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on Central Texas News Now.
