Sonora, CA…This Christmas Story begins earlier this year, when Tuolumne County resident Darren Duez stopped by to visit a family friend. He’s known Mrs. Elizabeth Mansfield since he was 8-years-old. During the visit, he found out that this grandmother has been raising her grandchildren Ben and Hannah, after her son who was a military veteran took his own life. Her daughter-in-law also couldn’t provide for the children. During the visit, Darren realized Elizabeth had no firewood to warm the home. He enlisted some help from others and provided her with plenty of firewood and even fixed her roof that needed repair. Darren also learned, Elizabeth’s car wasn’t working. Darren along with his wife Deidre were so moved by how this grandmother was doing everything she could to take care of her family, they wanted to help take care of her. They came up with a plan to get Elizabeth a running car and basic necessities for the children.

The couple created a flyer and contacted businesses and people within the community for donations. Bee Back motors a local car dealership, saw the flyer and donated a vehicle. From then on, this family received an overwhelming response and outpouring of kindness from community members wanting to help. The donations and gifts from Santa’s Elves grew to toy drives, food gift cards, gas cards, cash donations, shop with a cop gifts, a year of car insurance paid in full and of course the car for the family!!!

On Christmas morning more than a dozen people came out to Bellview Elementary School to surprise and shower the family with donations and gifts. Elizabeth had no idea what was about to happen for her and her grandchildren. Elizabeth’s car was hidden behind the large fire engine. Many waited with excitement and emotions.

When Elizabeth and the kids arrived they took pictures with Santa and looked a little confused about why fire engines and law enforcement vehicles were in the school parking lot. Darren led Elizabeth to the vehicle that was dressed with a big red bow and told her it was now theirs. Tears began flowing! Darren, presented Elizabeth with community donations and the many donated presents in the car. CHP, Fire Personnel and Sheriff’s Deputies gave Elizabeth hugs and donations from Santa’s Elves.

We were honored to be a part of the event, to see so many people support this incredible family. So on this very important day, we hope this story inspires all of us to reach out to others who need help and to remember the importance of family. This really is what the holiday season is all about.

Thank you to all of Santa’s Elves who showed the true meaning of human kindness and love.
Darren and Deidre Duez
Mark Dyken- Adopt a Family
Margaret-Adopt a Family
Chief Murphy Cal/Fire Calaveras Fire
Cedar Ridge Fire
Sonora City Fire
Pat-Calaveras Toys for Tots
Tuolumne County Deputy Sheriffs Association
Shop with a Cop Program Donations
Bee Back Motors in Sonora
Secret Santa at Interfaith
Foothill Chiropractic
Mayor-Connie Williams
Tre and Taylor Torongo
Steve Grunder
Dave and Sherry Diehl
Kandi Bell
Jerrad Verplanck
Nate Smith and OBBMC
Captain Wimberly
Justin and Kari Meek
Tom’s Barber Shop in Sonora
Mark Pradenas-Cibo Resturant in Twain Harte
Black Oak Casino
Public Health
Several Secret Santa’s
Happy Holidays Tuolumne County!