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Seriously Ill Children Get A Holiday Surprise From Local Volunteers

By Jericka Duncan

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (CBS) -

More than 60 volunteers, some dressed as Santa, spent Christmas Eve helping seriously ill children.

In partnership with St. Christopher's Hospital, LaSalle College High School students delivered presents and meals to sick children in the Greater Philadelphia area.

CBS 3 traveled to Feltonville for one group's first stop. Students delivered a bag full of toys and clothing to 3-year-old Nathan Franceschini and his 11-month old brother Joshua. 

The boys' mother Deborah couldn't stop smiling as she watched her sons unwrap each gift.

For her, she says, it's the little things that bring her family joy. Her 3-year-old son, Nathan, has leukemia and was diagnosed with cancer last year.

"He got skinny, he lost his hair, he doesn't want to eat. It's rough, but he's okay and I'm happy for that," Deborah said. "He doesn't know what he has, so it makes him stronger."

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