Manhattan Beach firefighters bring Christmas cheer to Lynwood family

LYNWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters from Manhattan Beach brought some real Christmas cheer to a Lynwood family that's struggling to make ends meet.

Ten-year-old Kevin Gonzalez and his family were awestruck when a fire engine, disguised as a big red sleigh, pulled up at their door Thursday morning. Inside were three of Santa Claus' helpers dressed in blue.

"I think if it's OK with you, if you're up to it, why don't we walk out in the street? We've got some stuff on Santa's sleigh," Manhattan Beach firefighter Matt Simkins told Kevin.

Members of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department first met Kevin under much different circumstances.

"We went to see him in the hospital over at Torrance Memorial," Simkins said.

Earlier this month, the Gonzalez family was at the intersection of Alameda and Nadeau streets in Walnut Park on their way to buy soup when two cars racing collided with them.

Kevin, his siblings and his mother were injured during the accident. The car they were traveling in was badly damaged.

"The soup spilled on Kevin's leg and he wound up sustaining injuries that were severe enough that he was put into the burn unit at Torrance Memorial Hospital," Simkins said. "What we were struck with was what a brave and composed young man this guy is."

The fire department also learned about the family's financial woes.

Kevin's dad was recently laid off. And with four mouths to feed, his parents could not afford Christmas presents. Firefighters stepped in to the rescue and arrived baring gifts for all the Gonzalez kids Christmas Day.

Kevin got the bike he asked Santa for.

"Oh they gave me a lot of presents, and it was like a dream," Kevin said.

A dream come true.