Durham girl helps spread Christmas spirit

DURHAM (WTVD) -- The spirit of Christmas is alive and well inside the Durham Rescue Mission's Women's Shelter.

Megan Brinkman, 7, is proving even the youngest and smallest people can make a big difference.

"You should always know that Christmas isn't just about getting gifts, it's about giving gifts," Megan said.

While most children are telling Santa what they want for Christmas, she told Santa all she wanted was to help the homeless.

"I actually asked him for a wish -- for everyone to have a home and be as fortunate as me," she said.

She began by writing letters to her neighbors and asked all her friends to make Christmas joyful for the hungry and the homeless.

"I never realized I would get so much," Megan admitted. "I thought I would get a couple of cans and like $14."

She raised more than $500 and then donated the money to the Food Bank of Durham and the Durham Rescue Mission.

"I'm like whoa!" she exclaimed. "A lot of people wanted this."

When Ernie and Gail Mills, founders of the Durham Rescue Mission, heard about the girl's selfless act, they invited Megan and her family to see firsthand how her hard work helped others this holiday.

The Mission passed out gifts from donation made at Northgate Mall's wish list.

"I learned a lesson this year that Santa and all the presents aren't just for you," Megan said. "The point [of] Christmas is to give to others.

She also said she wouldn't care if she didn't get any gifts because her wish all ready came true.

The Mills' say Megan's donations helped make Wednesday's Christmas breakfast at the Mission extra special this year.

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local/state, amanda fitzpatrick

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