Christmas saved after Aurora family robbed of presents

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- A west suburban community refused to let thieves ruin this holiday for a local family after Christmas presents were stolen from their Aurora home.

The burglary happened Tuesday, two days before Christmas. The stolen gifts were for the family's four foster children. What happened next would be worth more than what was taken.

The meaning of Christmas was found in a stranger's embrace and in a roomful of presents, hearts were full of gratitude.

"Today is a miracle," Helen Ramos said. "Today was a blessing. It's been a blessing all day."

For Ramos, the tears began Tuesday when she came home and found it ransacked.

"My house, it's not elaborate. It's not full of jewelry, money," she said.

What she and her husband did have were Christmas gifts. Toys and clothes for her four foster children ages 7-13.

The gifts were sitting in a corner next to the tree in a Santa Claus bag. Whoever broke in left only a torn gift bag.

"The kids were right there, and so, well, they took the toys," Ramos said.

It appeared there would be no Christmas for this family that over the years has fostered 13 children, until a relative wrote of their plight on Facebook. The post went viral.

Donations have been pouring in Wednesday, including clothes and toys. An ever-growing list shows all who have given, many don't even know Ramos.

Wednesday night, Ramos is making a list and checking it twice, making sure she's missed no one whose kindness saved Christmas.

"It's not so much that they are helping me, but they're helping the children, and that's what it was supposed to have been in the first place," she said.

Aurora Police are investigating the burglary. In fact, Ramos said several officers have also donated gifts purchased with their own money.

As of Wednesday night, at least 30 people have given gifts.