Children of migrant farmers granted Christmas wishes

TAMPA (FOX 13) - It's always better to give than to receive, especially at Christmas.

Some local high school students are stepping in to brighten the holiday for families in need.

Children living in the Palms of Dover Migrant Community have known for months they were in for a special treat.

For most of them, it will be their only presents this Christmas.  

"They have been waiting for this since we did it last year," said Julie Snyder who spearheads the effort for Jesuit.

Their parents are farm workers. Julie Snyder works with Hillsborough County Schools to make sure the migrant children are cared for.

"This was like something special, something extra it was great," said Julie. "They need basic necessities on a daily basis."

The gifts were brought by students from Jesuit High School in Tampa. They've been doing this for the past five years and Father Hough from Jesuit says it's an important mission for everyone involved.

"This ability to realize someone is in need is the Christmas story and our doors are going to open or close and we want to open some doors here," Father Hough said.

The students bring gifts and interact with the children. It's a day none of them will forget.