When the first responders of Henrico County, Virginia, heard 3-year-old Tommy Opperman's story, they knew they wanted to make his Christmas extra special.
According to WFSB, the little boy has experienced an incredible amount of loss in his short life. Two years ago he survived an accident that proved fatal for his mother. Tommy was being raised by his single father, Erik, a 44-year-old volunteer firefighter, until he unexpectedly passed from a heart attack only a few weeks ago. When local police officer Doug Trammell responded to the emergency call and realized that Tommy would be facing a life without his parents, he wanted to make sure the young child at least had a chance at a good Christmas.
According to WTVR, Trammell spread the word about Tommy's situation to other first responders, who raised $15,000. The money was given to Gretchen Miller, his aunt and now guardian, so she could purchase plenty of presents for both Tommy and his cousins, and save some toward his future. Miller also purchased clothes and household items for Tommy, who now lives with her family.
"We're going to re-start his life and have some fun," Miller told WTVR.