MANSFIELD – Dee Campbell works hard to keep the memory and spirit of her brother, Sam Ramirez alive, especially at Christmas time.
“Local stores told me while Sami was sick that he would go in as soon as they got their first shipments of gloves and hats for the year and buy lots of them, then go to local elementary schools and drop them off in the office,” Campbell said.
“That was the kind of person Sami was — always thinking of others.”
Every Christmas, Sam would lead a toy drive, providing Christmas for local children.
Now, four years after he died, his sister Dee has carried on this tradition gathering toys as well as new and gently used clothing to give to families in need during the holidays.
Last year, Discovery School partnered with the drive to donate some children’s clothing after their PTO rummage sale, and this year, the school and Dee decided to try to help out in a bigger way.
The school held a week-long clothing drive, asking for newborn through adult sized clothing that will be hung in a store-like manner allowing families to shop for items in addition to receiving from Sami’s Toys for Kids.
Assistant Head of School, Alyssa Nugent, helped connect with Campbell for the drive. Nugent was proud of how everything came together.
“We have a connection because Dee’s grandchildren attend Discovery,” Nugent said. “When she called this year, I knew how special Sam was to this community and how his mission connects with ours.
“Our families and students took action so quickly and filled an 8-foot table in the entryway within days!”
On Friday, Dec. 6, students and teachers helped load Campbell’s car completely full, despite the frigid temperatures.
“What you’ve helped do today is going to make a lot of people’s Christmas happier!” Campbell told the group as they gathered for a picture after loading.
The two organizations hope to start even earlier next year to help more families next December.