Kids Pick Out Donated Gifts Sent To Newtown Following Shooting Rampage
NEWTOWN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- After the shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School, donations, toys and gifts poured in from around the world.
Two months later, the children of Newtown are finally receiving those tokens of support.
As CBS 2's Chris Wragge reported Monday, it's Christmas in February for the children of Sandy Hook and Newtown, who lined up for a much-deserved grab bag of gifts laid out for the taking.
"It's really special that we're here, that everyone donated these for us because of what happened," Newtown resident Ashley Hammond said.
Toys and presents by the truckload poured into Newtown following the Dec. 14 shooting rampage that left 26 students and educators dead.
"It's not just a toy, it's everyone in the world wanting to be a part of the healing process," said Ann Benore with Newtown Social Services.
Many of the children reflected on the gesture from those outside their town.
"It's pretty special that everyone gave this stuff to us just for us to be happy," Emily Hammond said.
"I think it's pretty cool that a lot of people donated all this stuff just for us and us to be happy and try to get over it," Carley Nuzzo said.
As the kids left with crayons, books, race cars and toys, experts said the goal now is to help children recognize the meaning behind the donations.
"I'm hoping that they understand and their parents explain to them where these came from so that they feel the love that was sent to us," Benore said.
The families directly affected by the Newtown tragedy had the first pick of the donations.
Some of the larger items like bikes and Rollerblades were auctioned off, and the remaining gifts are being donated to area charities.
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