GASTONIA, N.C. -- An anonymous Secret Santa donated $50,000 worth of toys to Gaston County children in need during the holidays.
Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services announced the donation at a Wednesday morning ceremony attended by 12-year-old Olivia Lee, whose family is in the process of adopting a child.
"All those kids get to finally feel like a kid on Christmas!" Olivia said. "They get to laugh and enjoy it and know that there are people who care about them and make donations for them."
The same donor already brought huge smiles to several Gaston County families last year after he hauled in a tractor-trailer filled with toys worth $30,000.
DHHS administrator Melanie Lowrance remembered families being overwhelmed with joy due to last year's donation.
"One very grateful mother told us that she had given up all hope of buying gifts for her children until this amazing gift happened," Lowrance said.
The United Way of Gaston County, The Teacher Box/Libby Lou's Gifts and Toys, Food Lion, Gaston County Police and Gaston County College Criminal Justice Club are also partnering with DHHS and the anonymous donor.