The Mata family in San Tan Valley, AZ has been through a lot this month. A little over a week ago their summer vacation to Disneyland was literally stolen away from them. For the past three years the family’s three children had been selling candy to other neighborhood kids from their front door and saving chore money. They were working hard in order to earn enough money for a trip to Disneyland. 11-year-old Mariel, 6-year-old Elena, and 4-year-old Emmanuel would put every dollar they earned into a big plastic water cooler jug. After a break-in at their home, it’s now all gone.
A Pinal County Sheriff’s office spokesman says 18-year-old Tony Cheatham was arrested in connection with the burglary and released. Unfortunately for the Mata children, he only had $75 on him during his arrest.
When the plastic jug was last counted before the robbery, there had been over $500 inside. The children decided that this set back was not going to stop them. They made the choice to start from scratch and begin saving again.
This story aired on ABC15 and the station began hearing from multiple people across the country wanting to help. The Burke family was among them. The station arranged for Victoria, her husband Brian, and her son Orion to meet with the Mata family. The Burkes felt they needed to do something to help these children. They brought a gift bag filled Disney toys and coloring books. An envelope was also tucked inside with $600 to help the family make it to Disneyland. Victoria Burke also wrote the three Mata children a note which read “Your hard work and love can never be stolen as now it has been shared with the world and inspires others”.
Such a heartwarming story in a world where ugliness is plentiful. It’s good to have reminders that there are inspirational people walking among us.
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Source Credit : ABC15
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