Man helps out family robbed of gifts

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A single mother of eight sacrificed to make the holiday special for her kids, but a real life Grinch stole their Christmas. But, a generous 7 News viewer has stepped up to help them out.

"I saw it on TV, and I thought it was really terrible what the people did, and I think the person who did it, they need to reevaluate why they're on this planet," said Jerry Walters.

Burglars broke into Tara Kitchen's home while her family slept and stole several Christmas gifts. "He put the chair here," said one of her daughters. "They said it was two of them. They had a screw to open it, and they jumped through the window."

The men broke into the home at around 5 a.m., Tuesday morning. Her daughter, Tara Marshall was sleeping when she heard the door creaking. "I see him trying to sneak his head through my door," said Marshall, "trying to see if I was awake or not. Then I got scared, my heart was beating so fast I didn't know what to do, so I just called my mom."

Her mom, on the other side of the house, responded. "She was like, 'come, come, somebody's in my room,'" said Kitchen. "And when I got up I saw him standing in my front room. I was trying to get my phone, but I was scared to call the police."

But now, Walters has brought Christmas spirit back to the Kitchen household. He showed up to their house with gifts, cash and some holiday food. "I see tears and it just touches you deep inside," said Walters.

Kitchen was overjoyed with Walters generosity. "I just want to tell you thank you so very much. Me and my kids, we really appreciate you because I just felt lost," she said.

If you have any information on this robbery, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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