New Epson Shredder Recycles Office Paper into New Sheets On the Spot

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Dec 23, 2015

This refugee from Congo thought he was being interviewed for a documentary, until everyone in the diner started giving him gifts.

Pascal was the latest happy victim of the “Praynksters,” who describe themselves as “a group of Christian entertainers, rappers, pastors, and entrepreneurs” who pull positive pranks on strangers while performing good deeds in the process.

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For this video, they chose a hard-working refugee named Pascal. He spent years in camps for people displaced by war in Africa before coming to America more than two years ago with his little brother. He worked four different jobs so his brother could complete high school, the Praynksters told Good News Network.

Pascal still sends money to friends and relatives back in the refugee camps, and wants to get a business degree so he can provide for his fiancee and their future family.

While sitting for an interview, Pascal and the fake documentary crew are interrupted by a man who overheard his story and wants to give him a gift. Before the interview can resume, other patrons start leaving their seats in a steady steam, dropping off wrapped presents at Pascal’s table.

He’s interrupted again when asked about his fiancee — this time with a couple of the Praynksters giving him a wedding package — paying for bridal and bridesmaid dresses, a venue, pastor, and other niceties.

WATCH: Rescuer of Old Dogs Is Given Everything She Needs All At Once

He’s then asked to go with the Pranksters for a ride—only to find out they plan to give him he SUV they’re riding in.

It takes Pascal quite a while to finish with all the hugs — and to wipe away his tears — before he drives the car away, rewarded for a lifetime of perseverance.

(WATCH the video from Praynksters below) — Photo: Praynksters video

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Congress Quietly Ends Federal Medical Marijuana Prohibition

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Dec 22, 2015

Buried in the 1,600 pages of Congress’ new spending plan is a quiet little passage that radically alters the way America treats medical marijuana.

The provision ends the federal prohibition on medical marijuana and bans federal agents from policing its users or raiding dispensaries in any state or district where it is legal.

The spending plan, and the medical pot provision within it, became law on Friday, with President Obama’s signature.

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Thirty-two of the 50 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized some form of marijuana use, or its ingredients, for medication.

Federal law still designates cannabis in any form as an illegal drug and, since federal law takes precedent over the states, federal law enforcement agents have been allowed, until now, to persecute people using or distributing medical marijuana even in states that had legalized it.

This provision shuts down those operations and signals a shift in federal drug policy. For the first time, there was significant Republican support for easing of pot laws

CHECKOUT: 14 Years After Decriminalizing Heroin, Here’s What Portugal Looks Like

“This is a victory for so many,” Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican and co-author of the provision, said after it passed. “The first time in decades that the federal government has curtailed its oppressive prohibition of marijuana.”

Medical marijuana has been used to treat glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, nerve and seizure disorders, and chronic pain. Check out this Special to GNN from last month: Marijuana Fills Dire Medical Needs of Families, States Try to Catch Up.

Photo: O’Dea, CC; Laurie Avocado, CC

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Muslims Give Strangers Holiday Roses, Responding to Hate with Love

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Dec 22, 2015

Yesterday, I went (totally) out of my comfort zone and helped hand-out free holiday roses to complete strangers walking through downtown Disney, with other Muslim friends.

I had been afraid to publicly identify myself as Muslim, and to talk to strangers, but perhaps the state of the U.S. today has compelled me to “come-out,” so to speak.

The idea was to help fight the hate that is being directed at “people like us” with the message of love and tolerance that my friends and I were all raised with. Each rose had a message “Happy Holidays from Your American Muslims neighbors.”

CHECK Out: Muslims Raise Nearly Quarter Million Dollars for San Bernardino Victim Families

One non-Muslim man took a rose, left, and came back. “Would you like another?” I asked.

“No, I already have one,” he responded. “But I just read your message and wanted to come back to say that with all the hate that is around, I really admire that you all are responding with love. It really touches me to see this.”

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And then he hugged me, and we both shed a tear (well for me, many tears). It was a cathartic moment – even I haven’t realized how emotionally impacted I have been by what I’ve seen and heard. That man made a difference to me and gave me back some of the hope I’ve lost seeing the state of the world as it is today.

It also reminded me that individuals can make a difference. He made one to me and hopefully we made a difference to others.

Small Voice That Urged Big Act of Kindness Lets Stranger Walk Again

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Dec 22, 2015

A sudden dedication to make a difference with one giant leap of kindness for a complete stranger led to a man quitting his job and setting out on a 3,000 mile hike. When it was over, a man who fell victim during a crime was able to take his first steps in over eight years.

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Eugene Yoon had decided to do “something big,” but didn’t know what the act would be — or who it would be for — until he saw a video of Arthur Renowitzky, a San Francisco, California man paralyzed in a shooting eight years earlier.

Arthur was determined to walk again, and Eugene decided to help him.

Eugene quit his job, and set out on a hike from the U.S. border with Mexico to Canada. He used the journey to raise money to pay for a nearly $80,000 set of robotic legs.

Shortly before reaching the Canadian border, he reached his financial goal. And not long after his return, Eugene got to see Arthur reach his goal — and walk again.

(WATCH the video below from Steve Hartman at CBS News) — Photo: CBS News video/Family photo

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17K LEGO Workers Get Extra Month Pay Because ‘Everything is Awesome’

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Dec 22, 2015

Over 17,000 LEGO employees worldwide are receiving an extra month’s salary in January – a fantastic holiday gift to say thank you for contributing to the company’s growth over the last 10 years.

The reward is apparently not to be viewed as a bonus, but as compensation for LEGO’s 18% growth since this period last year.

In addition, all employees will receive their regular bonuses in March.

CHECK Out: Lego Spends Millions To Ditch Oil-Based Plastic

“It’s an incredibly good performance and a result of the hard work that more than 17,000 Lego employees around the world have done,” Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO of the Denmark firm, reported in September, according to The Copenhagen Post.

African Lions Granted Protection Under New American Law That Limits Hunters

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Dec 22, 2015

The Obama administration implemented new measures to protect African lions, placing them on the Endangered Species List in order to curtail the loss of animals from American sport hunters traveling to the continent.

The lion’s new designation gives American officials the go-ahead to ban the importation of any hunting trophies, such as lion skins, that would be brought back into the country. The importation of live lions also can be regulated under the new legal status.

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“If we want to ensure that healthy lion populations continue to roam the African savannas and forests of India, it’s up to all of us — not just the people of Africa and India — to take action.” Dan Ashe, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in announcing the designations.

The service declared the breed Panthera leo leo to be endangered. Only about 1,400 of the big cats still exist in the wild — 900 in Africa and 500 in India.

A second breed in Africa, Panthera leo melanochaita, which numbers somewhere between 17,000 and 19,000, has been placed on the threatened species list. Both designations take effect January 22, 2016.

Lion populations in Africa have declined by more than 60% since the 1940s, to around 20,000. U.S. hunting trophies in the last ten years have accounted for the deaths of 5,600 of the big cats, but that fact received little attention until the recent death of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.

CHECK OUT: Lion Killers Transformed into ‘Lion Guardians’ in Africa

Cecil was a popular tourist attraction at a game reserve, but the big cat was killed in a licensed hunt by an American dentist when the lion wandered out of the reservation. Zimbabwe has since temporarily banned all trophy hunting nationwide, until further notice.

(Photos: Kevin Pluck, CC; Mathias Appel, CC)

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Airports Bring On Therapy Dogs to Ease Holiday Travel Stress

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Dec 21, 2015

Holiday travel is “ruff” stuff, but these therapy pups can pick you up, even if you’re dog-tired.

United Airlines is bringing out 200 dogs at seven major U.S. airports this week to help travelers wind down while waiting for layovers or delayed flights.

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United Paws is providing the professionally trained comfort dogs from local organizations so travelers at the busiest airports can relax from the stress of traveling home for the holiday.

“Research shows that just petting a dog releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and affection, and also decreases levels of stress, helps us breathe easier and lowers our blood pressure,” Veterinary Consultant Dr. Walter Woolf (yes, that’s his name) said in a statement from the airline.

Expect to see therapy dogs on duty Tuesday through Thursday greeting passengers in terminals at Chicago O’Hare, Denver International, Newark Liberty International, Washington Dulles International, George Bush Intercontinental Houston, Los Angeles International, and Cleveland Hopkins International.

Travelers who want to post photos of their own dogs in travel settings and raise a little money for dog charities can enter to win round-trip tickets. Just post your pictures on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #unitedpaws. The airline will also donate a dollar for each picture to local comfort dog groups that are taking part in the holiday travel sessions.

(SEE more photos on Twitter and Instagram) — Photo: United Airlines, Twitter

Strangers Get Happier When Asked to Give Away Gifts in Train Station-Watch

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Dec 21, 2015

Commuters at this train station might have expected to see a sleigh and reindeer parked outside after a jolly telephone call urges them to deliver Christmas presents to complete strangers.

“The Christmas Gift Experiment” starts with a phone call from Santa — ringing from an over-sized gift box placed in the middle of the Birmingham New Street station in the UK.

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Passersby who answer the ringing phone hear Saint Nick start a real conversation with them. After a Christmas present drops from a chute, they are delighted at the prospect of getting a gift–but then told to deliver it to someone in the crowd.

The twist on giving was devised by a television channel, called Christmas 24, that is broadcasting nothing but Christmas movies.

WATCH: Underprivileged Kids Choose Dream Gifts for Their Parents, Not Themselves

A simple conclusion was proven by this cheerful experiment: giving a gift to a stranger will generate a lot of fun, and epitomizes the holiday spirit of giving.

(WATCH the video from Christmas 24) — Photo: Christmas 24 video

Strangers Donate So Ill Veteran Can Reunite with Dogs for Christmas-Watch

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Dec 21, 2015

A veteran broke into tears when complete strangers reunited him with his two dogs after he couldn’t afford to get them out of a shelter.

James Pack suffered a massive heart attack in September and complications kept him hospitalized until just this month.

With no one to care for his dogs — Bailey and Blaze — the First State Animal Center and SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Camden, Delaware took the dogs in and put them up for adoption.

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Fortunately for Pack’s pack, neither dog found a new home before the veteran got out of the hospital.

By then, the dogs were at an SPCA adoption center in a Dover Petsmart store. Park visited the dogs, but didn’t have the $210 to adopt them.

He decided to sell his car for scrap to raise the money.

Before he could do that, volunteers with the animal center and the store chipped in money to pay the fees and buy food, treats, and toys for the dogs.

CHECK OUT: More Inspiring Stories on Our PETS Page

They surprised Park with the news while a camera recorded the moment — filled with two emotional dogs that were a blur of licking tongues and wagging tails.

“I didn’t think I would have my dogs back,” Park told the Delaware State News. “This is the best Christmas ever.”

(WATCH the video from Lindsay Marie’s Facebook page below) — Photos: Lindsay Marie, Facebook

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Taylor Swift Surprises Hospice Cancer Teen, Visits Her for Christmas (LOOK)

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Dec 21, 2015

Saturday was a fairy tale for a teen battling cancer.

“Suddenly the most amazing miracle happens,” Delaney Clements wrote on her Instagram page. “Taylor Swift walked into my bedroom and spent the afternoon with me just talking and hanging!!!!”

A photo posted by ~Delaney Clements~ (@delaneyy.bugg) on Dec 19, 2015 at 2:56pm PST

Her mother, Wendy Campbell, snapped the first of several pictures of a tearful Delany hugging the singer sensation from her bed.

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Delaney was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2010, when she was just eight-years-old.

Posted by Wendy Campbell on Saturday, December 19, 2015

Wendy Campbell had launched a social media campaign — #taylormeetdelaney — to encourage the superstar to visit her daughter.

“Thank you, Taylor Swift for the best Christmas present ever,” Wendy wrote on her Facebook page after the visit.

Photos: Wendy Campbell, Facebook

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Refugees Sing John Lennon ‘War Is Over’ Christmas Song (Touching Video)

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Dec 21, 2015

Tissue alert!

John Lennon would have been happy and proud to hear The Refugee Choir come together last Sunday to sing Happy Christmas (The War is Over).

Proceeds of song sales will help the Islington Center take care of asylum-seekers in the UK for the holidays.

Made up of refugees and migrants from all over London, the choir is aiming to raise £30,000 for the Center by the end of 2015.

BUY this tune for your Christmas playlist – at iTunes here.

Military Dad Jumps Out of Wrapping Paper To Surprise Kids (WATCH)

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Dec 20, 2015

Alfie and Lily must have known they were on the nice list this year when they saw the giant Christmas gift waiting for them downstairs in their English home.

They didn’t expect their father to be back from three months of military service, so they got quite a surprise when opening the wrapping paper.

Their mother, Ruth Stevens, made sure to record the holiday reunion.

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Rights to Song “Happy Birthday to You” Finally In Public Domain

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Dec 20, 2015

A settlement has been reached in a U.S. lawsuit with Warner/Chappell Music over the copyright to “Happy Birthday to You” that will put one of the world’s most recognizable songs in the public domain, according to court papers filed last week.

A Chief U.S. District Judge in Los Angeles ruled that Warner/Chappell, and its music publisher, did not own a copyright to the Happy Birthday lyrics.

Now artists are free to use the song in films, on TV and anywhere else without shelling out millions each year to the company that claimed ownership of the song lyrics.

(READ more in this Reuters article)

Make a Difference – 10 Easy Ways To Do Good this Holiday Season

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Dec 20, 2015

The holiday season is a time when we’re inspired to give back.

One way, of course, is to donate money to a good cause. Good News Network has found a great one: taking care of one mother and her 4-year-old daughter, who are being asked to leave a women’s shelter because of hitting the allotted time limit.

A GNN reader met Francesca because she had volunteered to cook for the man, who has stomach cancer. To reward her constant generosity, he set a goal of raising enough money to build her a tiny home that is solar-powered–but not only that, the tiny home will be the start of a pay-it-forward housing program, which will grant the home to another homeless person, once she is back on her feet again. If you have enough money to donate and boost our Christmas campaign, which is off to a slow start since I first wrote about it in detail on Friday, PLEASE contribute what you can, here on the fundraising page.

If you don’t have money in your budget for donating, here’s how you can make a real difference with ten simple good deeds for the holiday season…

Think of the amazing people in your life. Take an hour to write those people a letter telling them why they’re awesome.
If you’re buying gifts on Amazon, use the Amazon Smile URL and a percentage of your purchase price will go to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you.
When you buy gifts from one of 1,700 participating online retailers, you can use iGive to have that retailer donate money to your favorite charity. This includes major retailers like Best Buy, Expedia, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others.
Get ready for the new, by getting rid of the old . . . Use those boxes piling up from your online gift buying to pack up clothes, household items, games or other items you no longer need, and Givebackbox.com will provide a prepaid shipping label so you can have the items shipped to Goodwill at no charge. This can be done from any state in the US. (Goodwill is a nonprofit that provides job training and jobs.)

Other organizations will pick up donations from your house…

(CONTINUE Reading the article in Brad Aronson’s blog)

Harry Potter Spinoff ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Leaks New Film Trailer (WATCH)

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Dec 20, 2015

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars as a magizoologist in this Harry Potter spin-off directed by David Yates, who also helmed the last four Hogworts blockbusters.

The story is set in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident … were it not for an American Muggle named Jacob. The escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts could spell trouble for both the wizarding and Muggle worlds.

WATCH: Using the Force: Yoda Levitates Cake at Int’l Baking Show

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook of the same name which was written by her character, Newt Scamander.

MORE: Precious “Lost” Tolkien Story to be Published For the First Time

The film also stars Katherine Waterston (“Steve Jobs,” “Inherent Vice”) as Tina.

WANT GOOD NEWS FOR CHRISTMAS? …GET OUR NEW APP—> Download FREE for Android and iOS

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which was home to the “Harry Potter” films, the top-grossing franchise of all time. Some scenes were also shot on location in Liverpool, England.

The Warner Bros. movie is set for worldwide release in 2D and 3D in November 18, 2016.

–Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

At 70, Dedicated Classroom Grandpa Finds Purpose With 600 ‘Grandkids’

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Dec 19, 2015

Photos and story by Julie Makarewicz
Originally published by School News Network

Dale Allers isn’t related to anyone at Sparta’s Ridgeview Elementary School, but he’s “Grandpa Dale” to the 600-plus students who affectionately greet him every week with smiles, fist bumps and hugs.

“That’s why I do it. I love the kids and their smiles,” said Allers, who has volunteered at the school the last eight years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“He comes over and says ‘Just try your best’ and he always helps us out. And he fixes everything! He makes our whole school a better place,” said first-grader Madison Sackett.

WATCH: 99-Year-old Wins Shopping Spree at Dollar Store, Uses It For Needy Kids

The 70-year-old volunteers two full days in the first grade classrooms of Marcia Powell and Megan Taylor. He comes in early to make coffee for the teachers, and on Wednesdays he volunteers a half-day to copy papers, laminate student work and do whatever else is needed.

Powell said she doesn’t know what they would do without him.

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“He does everything we ask and more. And he always does it with a smile on his face, no matter what it is,” she said. “He has such a great relationship with the kids. He’s a great male role model for them, and we don’t have many male role models in early elementary.”

Finding His Purpose in Retirement

Allers started working in the school through the Gerontology Network of Grand Rapids as a way to supplement his income. The organization placed him at Ridgeview and after a year, when he no longer needed the supplemental pay, he had already fallen in love with the students and school.

“I couldn’t leave. I just love it here,” he said.

Allers said Powell and Taylor have become like daughters to him. “They’re just so good to me and I love being here. I would hate to sit around home and do nothing. That’s not me,” he said.

WATCH: Veteran Swims the Entire Mississippi River to Honor Fallen Buddies

Taylor and Powell organized a special Veterans Day surprise recently for Allers, who served as a U.S. Marine in the 1960s. He was greeted by the entire school and presented with a special Marine flag with an engraved plaque from Ridgeview.

“I couldn’t believe they did that for me. It was so nice and something I never expected,” Allers said. “That’s why it’s so special here. Everybody cares.”

WATCH: Doctor Practicing “Street Medicine” Named Top Hero of 2015

Powell couldn’t say enough about Allers and his work in her classroom. “I can’t imagine teaching without him,” she said. “I wish every classroom could have a Grandpa Dale.”

Taylor agreed. “He’s a cool dude. He’s a tough Marine, but he’s a big teddy bear with the kids, and that’s what makes him so endearing. We are so fortunate he chose our school.”

Surprised With ‘Magical Wintery Ferry Ride,’ 75 Families Fighting Cancer

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Dec 19, 2015

What would persuade officials at the San Francisco Bay Ferry to allow its first private event ever on its iconic ferry? How about a Magical Winter Ferry Ride for 75 children fighting cancer this Christmas?

It all started when the people of a community outreach group called Vallejo Together wanted to do something special for these California kids struggling with illness. The group turned toward the Waterfront because it is one of the best things about their city.

After calling Vallejo Mayor Intintoli to pull some strings, the ferry tour was booked, but kept a secret from families who arrived downtown for a mystery date.

MORE: First Grader Trades His Christmas Presents for Gifts to the Homeless

“A mother came to us and said that her son was in line and when he saw the ferry, he wanted to ride it,” says the Vallejo Together Facebook page. “His mom told him that maybe one day he will be able to. He said that he hoped so because it was his dream. When the families found out that they were in fact going into the ferry the young boy jumped up and down raising his hands and said “Mom! My dream came true!”’

The cruise visited hot spots like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Angel Island.

MORE: Secret Santas Pay Off Nearly $300,000 in Layaways for Hundreds of Families

The inside of the boat was even more exciting for the kids – community businesses and volunteers created 18 stations throughout the ferry, all featuring different activities and food, like cotton candy, face painting, and hanging out with Santa.

Known as SOCK (Supporting Our Cancer Kids), the initiative is just one of many projects that reaches out to those in need.

A GIFT FOR YOURSELF? …GET OUR NEW GOOD NEWS APP—> Download FREE for Android and iOS

A gift was provided to each of the children from the man in the red suit himself, courtesy of A1 Heating and Air.

It’s probably safe to say that none of these volunteers will be on Santa’s naughty list this year.

Photos Courtesy of Rhonda Renfro at Club Stride

Underprivileged Kids Choose Gifts for Parents, Not Themselves (WATCH)

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Dec 19, 2015

It’s the toughest question any child ever faced at Christmas, and the answer these kids gave will remind you what the holiday spirit is all about.

The children were given a choice between taking home the gift they wanted — or the gift their parents wanted.

They could choose only one.

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Making it harder, these children are all from low-income families — many that can’t even afford a tree this holiday. So, there might not be any chance later to get the Christmas gift they, themselves, wanted.

You’ve probably already figured out the choice each kid made, but be sure to watch them explain why.

(WATCH the video below from uptv)

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US to Cover Cost of Robotic Legs for Some Paralyzed Veterans

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