A Southern California community isn't letting the real-life Grinch who stole a wheelchair from a 4-year-old girl with Down syndrome ruin the family's Christmas.
They're getting a replacement for the one that someone callously took off their Corona porch on Thursday.
The family from Corona suffered major heartache and the loss brought little Jocelyn Ordones to tears. She relies on her specialized wheelchair to get around because she can't walk. She struggles to stand.
"She's helpless," Alex Flores, her sister. "She's dependent on us.
"It's like who does that? Who takes something away from somebody who has special needs?"
Josie's mom, Gabriela Nolasco, couldn't hold in her emotions as she talked about the grief she feels for her daughter, who can't go to school without the wheelchair.
The family is barely making ends meet and can't afford the $2,500 for a new chair.
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The heartless theft has had a profound effect on Corona police officers.
"My immediate reaction was, the Grinch that stole Christmas," said Sgt. Brent Nelson.
Ever since word got out, the police department has been flooded with emails and calls. Strangers have been offering to donate a new motorized chair to Jocelyn's family.
"This support for this family isn't just the Corona community, it's all of Southern California," he said.
Others have also been contacting the family directly, offering their help.
It's an overwhelming show of kindness that's helping ease at least some of the heartache.
"I'm just very happy, very thankful. I feel blessed," Flores said.
Corona police officers are working with several organizations to get the right chair for Jocelyn.
They plan to give her a new one in the coming days, Flores said.
"Words can't explain about how I feel about my sister," Flores said. "I love her very much."
Asher Klein contributed to this report.
