Community won't let the Grinch steal Christmas for Newberg family

NEWBERG, Ore. - KATU viewers have come to the rescue of a Newberg family who were at the hospital with their daughter, who has Down syndrome, when thieves broke into their home.

The Bunting family had just moved to Oregon from New Jersey right before the burglary. In New Jersey Mark Bunting was a police officer but had been laid off.

The Buntings took 1-year-old Mary to Doernbecher Children's Hospital to be tested for Leukemia last month. While they were gone, thieves kicked down their door and stole everything valuable, even the vacuum cleaner.

The community responded with well-wishes and donations to make the family feel at home in their new home of Oregon. Santa Claus even stopped by to deliver presents to their children. The community also donated money, a replacement laptop, a game system for the kids and much more so they can rebuild their home and lives.

"We've been just so humbled and thankful and just overwhelmed with everything," said Priscilla Bunting. "The outpouring has just been wonderful. The community has been wonderful, and we're just so blessed and thankful for everything. Thank you is not enough of a word to express our gratitude."

Their son, Alex, is 8 years old. It may not be expected that an 8-year-old will see beyond the piles of unexpected presents – but Alex does.

"All this stuff is really making me cry," he said. "I would like to thank Santa for coming and giving all of this to us."

Priscilla said they have talked a lot with the kids about giving and what it means. They hope this will help them give as they grow up in the community.