Thieves steal Christmas from family

Updated: Thursday, 23 Dec 2010, 9:46 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 23 Dec 2010, 9:46 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Just three days before Christmas, criminals tried to steal the holiday from a Pflugerville family. Thieves ransacked the home and stole Christmas gifts from under the family's tree.

"They had taken the gifts and pretty much torn open every gift under the tree," said Officer Michelle Oneil.

Oneil and her partner, Officer Aaron Herrera, learned the family had a 4 year old daughter and a child on the way.

"It kind of hit home to see another child's gifts just ripped completely open," said Officer Herrera.

The two officers enlisted the help of fellow officer Jared Bruno.

"They were talking to me about what had happened and how they felt about this call and it kind of struck the same nerve with me," said Officer Bruno, who immediately began sending emails to family and friends asking for donations for the family.

In just 24 hours, the three officers collected more than $1,000 in donations and gifts for the family which they delivered on Thursday morning.

"For us it was just, you know, we felt so horrible for this family, because we all have families and giving presents and getting presents and all that and they weren't going to be able to do that this year," said Officer Bruno.

The officers also arranged for a holiday meal for the family. No arrests have been made in the case. The family did not want to be identified because the victims believe they may have been targeted because they were out of town.

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Christmas Bureau charity in need

Updated: Tuesday, 21 Dec 2010, 8:12 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 21 Dec 2010, 8:12 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin's Christmas Bureau charity is in need of help this holiday season. 1,800 families in need have yet to be sponsored for donations this year.?

The Christmas Bureau normally takes in around $80,000 in donations for the holidays, but this year, there has been only $15,000 in donations so far.

"A lot of our sponsors are applicants this year- I mean, things are hard all the way across the board," said Assistant Director Shon Washington.

The deadline to donate was Tuesday, December 21, but because of the need this year, volunteers elected to stay open until they meet the needs of as many families as possible.

The Bureau is also in need of volunteers to wrap the gifts they have collected.

"We're calling people- we've never done that. (Asking them to ) come pick it up- we've got stuff for you," said Washington. "I just don't have the manpower to go out and deliver it all."

Single mother Monica Magallanez got that call on Tuesday.

"I wasn't really expecting for them to call me today or even at all because I know there are a lot of other families out there who aren't as fortunate," she said. "To be honest, any little thing helps right now, so I'm grateful for anything I can get."

The Christmas Bureau started in 1964 with a focus on families with young children. They provide gifts, gift cards, and holiday meals for families in need.

Donations to most non-profits have been down in 2010, while holiday spending is up.

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Armadillo Christmas open for business

Updated: Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010, 7:47 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010, 7:47 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For many folks, shopping at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a holiday tradition.

The Bazaar opened its doors Wednesday at the Palmer Events Center. This is the 35th year for the event, which features eclectic artwork and gifts.

The event is popular with the public, and with the artists working the event, for many of the same reasons.

"I love the atmosphere, and of course, I'm an artist, so I want to get my work out there, and the staff is great, all the other vendors are awesome, patrons are super, the music is awesome too," said Heather Harris, mixed-media artist.

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar runs from now through Dec. 24.

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