DENVER - Tragedy is something you're never prepared for. No book or advice could heal the heavy hearts of those who have lost a child.
But there is a story - a local one - where tragedy is just the beginning of something you truly have to see to believe. Thousands of families lined up this morning outside of the Stanley British Primary School Saturday morning, some as early as 4:00 a.m., because of the legacy of one girl.
Her name was Kenzi. Five years ago, she was stillborn to her parents. Kenzi's mom, Jessica Baucus, knew it would be a tough holiday that year. The tragedy opened her eyes to families who were also struggling through the season, many of them financially.
Jessica founded Dolls For Daughters - Kenzi's Kids as a way of serving to them. It started small - a few dolls for a few kids. This year, more than 2,000 families were able to choose a few toys to put under the Christmas tree. No charge and no catch.
For the Ornelas family, the event was a chance for them all to reflect on the true gift that is giving to one another, rather than simply receiving a gift for yourself.
"It's kind of a relief off your shoulders knowing that, to bring your kids and them not looking for something for themselves but to pick out something for their siblings instead," said Krystal Ornelas. "It's better, and it's teaching my kids that it's not about you, it's about everybody else around you."
It's the stuff of great stories - and Kenzi's got a part in every one of them.
"I can't express it. It's amazing," Baucus said as she wiped tears away. "To see these people happy to know that because of us, they're having a brighter holiday... it's truly amazing."
After the toys are picked out and the gifts are wrapped, families could also grab a meal and some canned food, thanks to Food Bank of the Rockies. More than 7,000 kids got a toy today because of Kenzi, her family, and an army of volunteers.
(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
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