A touching surprise from a Secret Santa for woman whose precious niece was tragically murdered

A local Secret Santa is giving $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season and the East Idaho News elves are helping out.

Every day from now until the end of the year, we’ll be posting a Secret Santa surprise, and today we are surprising an incredible woman who has been through an unthinkable tragedy this year.

Here is a letter Secret Santa received about Sandra:

I’m reaching out today with a heartfelt nomination for an extraordinary woman. Sandra is one of the most humble and selfless individuals I know. She has worked tirelessly to raise her four children while juggling two jobs, all while providing unwavering support to her loved ones.

This past January, Sandra’s life was forever changed by the tragic loss of her 4-year-old niece, Mia. Mia, full of life and love, was tragically taken from her family by the very person who should have protected her—her own mother. This devastating loss has left Sandra’s brother in California heartbroken, battling deep depression, and struggling to find any reason to go on.

Despite his pain, Sandra has been a pillar of support, urging him to move to Idaho Falls so she can help him through his grief.
However, he’s unable to leave his daughter’s grave behind.

Sandra has explored every option to bring little Mia’s remains closer but transferring them is difficult and expensive. Sandra is working tirelessly to raise the funds needed for Mia’s remains to be returned to Idaho, but so far, her efforts have not reached their goal. I’m writing to you, Secret Santa, to ask for any help you can offer to this incredible woman. She’s doing everything she can to bring her brother peace, and any support would make a world of difference.

Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves to find Sandra and surprise her with an early Christmas gift. Watch the video in the player above.