Ashland, Ore — A day after they lost everything a little boy and his grandmother are being lifted up thanks to an outpouring of love and support from the community.
It happened so quickly seven-year-old Tanner Rainwater didn’t even have time to grab his shoes.
A fire Tuesday night left him and his grandmother homeless.
NBC5 news made a few phone calls to the North Pole, and it didn’t take long. Father Christmas himself visited Tanner to brighten his day.
After a fire destroyed his home two days before Christmas, Rainwater wondered, how would Santa Claus find him.
So Santa’s elves in the Rogue Valley decided to bring Father Christmas to Tanner.
“Merry Christmas to you! Yes indeed, I heard you had a little problem,” said Santa in the lobby of the hotel where Tanner and his Grandmother were staying.
Tanner and his Grandmother Connie lost everything in the fire that gutted their Ashland home.
Everything but a box of family photos. They were protected from the flames by Tanner’s toy fire hat.
“They’re good people, they’re caring, there’s just good, open hearts,” said family friend Kristine McAdam.
Just one little miracle, as support from community members continues to pour in.
“If we can make it better that’s what counts, because that’s what the season’s about, is giving,” said McAdam.
The greatest gift of all, besides Tanner’s ‘Lego Spiderman’ set, is bringing Christmas joy to a boy who never gave up believing.
The Rainwater’s are staying in an Ashland Hotel for the time being but could still use help.
You can donate by calling the Firehouse Five Foundation at 541-227-4529.
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