WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Christmas Spirit Helps Family Victimized by Crash

Christmas Spirit Helps Family Victimized by Crash

MELMORE -- This is a story of how small communities can come together to help a family who's grieving a painful loss. You may remember the tragic death of 8 year-old Richelle Dible from Melmore. Police say last month a man drove his truck through her family's home killing Richelle and injuring her family members. But on Wednesday night, a heart-felt surprise showed up for Richelle's loved ones during a time of the year known for family celebrations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire truck ready to take Richelle's three brothers plus mom and dad for a special ride. Neighbors and emergency crews from Sycamore and McHutchenville brought the family to the fire hall for a big surprise. They collected a van full of gifts that Santa delivered himself.

The boys ripped into their presents. "I think they just need to have a little bright star in their Christmas instead of the sadness that's always around," said Pam Kramer who helped organize the surprise. "It's a very tragic loss and this way maybe it will make it a more happier Christmas for them," co-organizer Tonia Hoffert told us.

For a family that's been banged up physically and mentally, the surprise helps. "Yeah. Yeah, it does," said Richelle's mother Christina Wollett. "Touched. I'm real appreciative of everybody's concern for us," Richelle's dad Richard Dible told us. "I don't know how I feel," said Richelle's brother Ryan Wollett. "It's just amazing how much people really care...wow," he added.

Mom and Dad said Richelle's brothers Ryan, Greg, and Ricky are still confused about what's happened to their sister and the parents are still coping as well. But when the smiles of a community shine on them like this, "I'd just like to thank everybody on behalf of my family," said Richard. "They've done a lot more than I would expect of anybody," said Ryan.

"There's just not enough to tell everybody thank you for how much they've helped us through this tragedy," Christina told News 11. Christina is still getting around with a cast on her foot and with the help of a walker. Richard has braces all over his body. He nearly died because of the crash. His goal now: to get back on his feet in the next couple of months and get back to work again.

Community members said they'll be helping the family long after the holidays are over.

Police said Max Didion is the man who drove his truck through the family's home on that early November morning. His trial is set to begin the first week of February.

Posted by AEB