Make a Wish Grants Special Birthday Wish
A 12-year-old girl who has end-stage renal disease got her birthday wish granted last weekend. The Make A Wish Foundation of North Texas and area vendors donated more than $5,000 to give Yeimi Jauregui the pink princess birthday party of her dreams. Make A Wish grants the wishes of children ages 2 1/2 to 18 who have life-threatening medical conditions.
2 Unlikely Friends on A Mission to Change Lives
A wealthy international art dealer who once held a low opinion of the down and out and a formerly homeless man are telling the story of their unlikely friendship as they pursue a mission to change the lives of homeless individuals, the Star Telegram reports. The pair was able to break down walls to build a lasting friendship after their meeting at The Union Gospel Mission 10 years ago. Since then, Ron Hall and Denver Moore have visited more than 200 missions and helped raise about $20 million for the homeless. Click here to read this story from the Star-Telegram.
Denton Police Make Traffic Stops for Good Drivers
Starting Monday, you may be pulled over in Denton -- but not for committing a traffic violation. Officers are starting a plan to reward safe drivers with discounts or merchandise from Denton businesses. The Denton Police Department said it is trying to reward good, courteous driving. Of course, they'll still be looking out for bad drivers, too.
Woman Hosts Giant Christmas Party for the Homeless
A North Texas woman says she was inspired to do something significant with her life after she lost her husband in a tragic accident. Susie Jennings said her dream was to give the world's less fortunate people the "best Christmas ever." Her vision five years ago has become a tradition that Operation Care Dallas hosted this year. Approximately 10,000 people in need attended "Christmas Gift 2008," where in addition to gifts, attendees received new shoes and took family portraits. Click here to watch this story from the Dallas Morning News.
Jewish Santa Spreads Cheer To Young Patients
A North Texas real estate agent who is Jewish dons a Santa Claus suit each Christmas to spread cheer to young patients at Cook Children’s Medical Center, the Star-Telegram reports. "Santa Claus is really not a religious icon," Andrew Wayne said. "Santa is the spirit of the season. Santa is the spirit of giving. It’s the time of year in which we should all think about reaching out." Wayne started dressing as Santa 12 years ago. He is the face this year of the United Way of Tarrant County’s Live United campaign, which features stories of people who help others in their community. Click here to read more of this story from the Star-Telegram.
