Christmas made possible by 'Random Acts'

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Christmas came a little early for a lot of kids who could really use some Christmas cheer.

Through the charity Random Acts, firefighters volunteering their time from Bernalillo County and Albuquerque were able to brighten up Christmas for some of the most neglected and vulnerable children.

"Each child gets a gift that they requested and they each get a brand new pair of shoes donated by Payless Shoe stores," Random Acts Director Steve Vaughan said.

Wednesday night the charity hosted a holiday party for 115 kids and their families at Station 4 in Albuquerque.

"I am moved by what the firefighters do for our kids," said Foster Parent Debbi Vallejos.

Of the 115 kids on this years list, 80 of them are foster kids, some of whom have never received a Christmas gift.

"It was a very nice experience to get gifts from the firefighters, knowing that they're heroes so its like getting a gift from a hero," Ashley Vallejos-Olivas said.

The rest of the gifts were for infants of teen moms who chose to stay in school.

"It makes them feel important and these are people that they look up to," Vallejos said.

This is the second time Random Acts has been able to host a party and give out gifts.

The charity receives donations and holds fundraisers throughout the year to be able to buy the presents.

"The community thinks of firemen as heroes and night's like this help them earn the right to be called heroes," said Vaughan.

The gift giving did not end with Wednesday's party, Vaughan said they have 47 additional presents they plan to deliver on fire trucks to children around the city on Christmas Eve.