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How a Katy Insider saved Christmas for 75 kids

A Christmas miracle occurred thanks to a Katy reader.

Last week I wrote a story about how Katy Christian Ministries needed help bringing Christmas gifts to 75 children from families in need.

The children were enrolled in the Santa's Sleigh program, and a donor had agreed to "adopt" their Christmas wish list. The donor, however, backed out at the last second. The children faced a Christmas with no gifts, so KCM reached out to me for help.

My editor and I put a story together and hoped for the best. Maybe enough community members would adopt a child that they would all be covered. Maybe a story would make a difference.

I got a call from the Santa's Sleigh coordinator telling me that a Christmas miracle had taken place.

"One of your readers saw your story, and they reached out and adopted all 75 children," she said.

You know that scene at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life" when an elated George Bailey is running through town screaming "Merry Christmas" at everyone? That was my heart when I heard the news.

I now know for sure this donor reads this newsletter, so to that Katy Insider, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As a result of the exprience, a thought occurred to me. Christmas for children is magical. Christmas for adults is miraculous.

For those 75 children, Christmas morning will be filled with the magic of gifts from Santa. Their parents are struggling to pay rent or buy food, but Santa remembered them. There is magic, after all.

As we kick off the holiday season, I hope you experience a miracle like this — something that touches your heart in a way you can't describe or even fully understand. Whatever your religion or beliefs, I hope the season brings you something wonderful.

Claire Goodman, Katy reporter

claire.goodman@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Katy

Frost Bites gelato shop in Katy Asian Town on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Frost Bites gelato shop in Katy Asian Town on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.

Photo by: Claire Goodman, Staff Writer

A new dessert shop in Katy offers gelato and Vietnamese sandwiches

Frost Bites, which opened Nov. 20, is owned by Kevin Dong, who also owns Thaicoon, Yummy Pho and Yummy Seafood in Katy Asian Town.

Need to Know

Vegan butternut squash soup at Harvest Kitchen and Bakery in Katy.

Photo by: Courtesy/Harvest Kitchen And Bakery

A vegan's guide to Katy-area restaurants

If you stick to a vegan diet or if you're looking for a break from meat, eggs and cheese, these vegan options will allow you to dine at local restaurants without animal products.

Fort Bend County Animal Services is over capacity and needs residents to adopt or foster, at least until major pet adoption event on Sep. 3

Photo by: Fort Bend County Animal Services

Fort Bend County Animal Services is in need of adoptions and fosters

With more than double its capacity limit of dogs, the Fort Bend County Animal Services needs the public's assistance.

The Fulshear Branch Library will open to the public at noon on Monday, Dec. 18.

Photo by: FBCL - Fulshear Branch Library

The new $13.4M Fulshear Branch Library is set to open soon

Fort Bend County Libraries' newly constructed Fulshear Branch Library will welcome its first readers on Monday, Dec. 18.

Openings and Closings

New York-based Rumble Boxing opened a new gym in Sugar Land on Monday, Nov. 27, my co-reporter Juhi Varma reports.

Rumble is a fitness concept that draws inspiration from boxing circuits and incorporates elements of resistance training.

Shout out

Big cheers to Harris County ESD No. 48 for their daring rescue of Waffles, a beloved Yorkshire terrier that fell into a storm drain.

Some children that witnessed the event did their best to rescue Waffles but were unsuccessful. Heroic crews from HCESD No. 48 were able to step in and save the pup, who is now happily reuinted with his very grateful owner.

One last thing ...

I'm not a fan of fishing, but I would be if I had the luck these two Lake Conroe fishermen had.

Mac Mayo of Kingwood was fishing with a friend on Wednesday when they found a very distraught cat struggling very far from the shore, my colleague Catherine Dominguez reports.

The men rescued the disgruntled and water-logged feline, who is now in search of a forever home — preferably one far from any bodies of water.