An unexpected gift for a Scranton man
8:55 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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Scranton students have reason to celebrate. Their hard work paid off for Oprah’s Big Give: Topeka recipient Ray Santin. Today, the students presented a check for $1950.20. It’s money raised through a week-long community effort, led by Scranton fourth graders.
“I can honestly say that I have not seen such an incredible effort,” said 49 News Community Reporter Liz Zamora. “I think it's amazing."
Though Oprah’s Big Give: Topeka is raising money to help five local residents, the students worked to raise money exclusively for Santin, who lives in Scranton.
Copper Oven fundraiser for Oprah's Big Give: Topeka
- When: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: Copper Oven, 5421 SW 21st St, Topeka
- Cost: $3
- Age limit: All ages
A car crash in 1995 left Santin paralyzed from the neck down. Students wanted to help buy him a new wheelchair, which costs ten thousand dollars.
Students and Santin were surprised to find that the money won’t be needed for a new wheelchair after all.
Christy Gurney of 49 News worked for weeks to secretly secure the donation of a new wheelchair from Permobil, Inc., an international company with U.S. offices in Tennessee that builds motorized wheelchairs.
Gurney told Santin, "They will be calling you to measure you and fit you for a brand new chair that will tilt and stand and do all of the things that you need it to do."
That free chair means Santin's family can spend the $1950 on whatever they want, including groceries or bills.
The generosity brought tears to Santin’s eyes. Because he is paralyzed, his mother used a tissue to wipe them away.
"Thanks to everybody who's a part of this," Santin said.
“Maybe now he'll go back to school and he'll feel safe in going and not breaking down,” said Santin’s mother, Karen Barinsky.
“I'm floored, to be honest with you,” Santin said. “The generosity. I know the kids were organizing something, but I didn't realize how much stuff or how great the community is.”
Oprah's Big Give - Topeka
Would you like to help? Sign up for Oprah's Big Give: Topeka here.
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