Local

Jacksonville social worker comes to rescue for kids before Christmas

A local social worker said some kids are being cheated out of Christmas because a charity organization went back on its promise to help out.

Cristina Chinchilla, a social worker for Coastal Bay Behavioral Health, had been counting on the chariy to donate toys to some of the families she helps.

“I’m starting to get a sinking feeling in my stomach we are not getting these toys,” she said of how the situation developed.

Chinchilla thought of the dozens of children who would wake up Christmas morning to disappointment. Something  she believes these children know all too well.

“I’ve been to these houses this week. There is no Christmas there,” she said.

So after the charity backed out, Chinchilla went another route. In the season of giving, she knew she couldn’t give up. She posted to Facebook and within 48 hours, neighbors started giving.

Now her living room is starting to look like a toy shop. A corner is full with dolls, superheroes, Nerf guns and Hot Wheels that will be placed under Christmas trees in the children's homes.

It's a reminder this holiday season that humanity really is good.