BUFFALO, N.Y. — It's a story 2 On Your Side first told you about this fall: a Buffalo man who decided to adopt a group of five siblings.
Western New York showered Lamont Thomas and his family with gifts, and on Christmas day, Channel 2's Claudine Ewing caught up with the family.
"They are good kids, and they're happy. They love being together, that's what it's all about," Thomas said.
Overwhelmed? That could be an understatement.
"This year is truly a blessing. All the gifts and money that have been sent to my family has just been beautiful," Thomas said.
Years ago he adopted five boys.
"It was just another normal day. We didn't get all the accolades and stuff like that. We did the adoption, and we celebrated, and we went on," he said.
But in October he adopted another group of five, ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. They were the children of a son he fostered years ago.
The kids ended up in foster homes across the area, but Lamont wanted them together, and he took on the task of adopting all five. He never asked for attention, it just happened when we covered the adoption ceremony.
"They are appreciative of everything as well," Thomas said.
People from across Western New York sent gifts, cards and money.
"I received $5,000, and that was ... I never expected that. It was just a beautiful gesture of love," Thomas said.
And then there was the vehicle from West Herr Auto Group.
"This is a remarkable thing you've done. All of us at West Herr couldn't be more proud of what you've done for these beautiful kids," Scott Bieler said.
Thomas left with a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.
"It's really nice, I am so appreciative of West Herr Dodge for helping us," Thomas said.
And then came all of the gifts. And it isn't over: a secret elf dropped off five personalized Santa Bags bags at Channel 2 just for these children.
The kids loved the bags. They had a little fun with them.
"Thank you so much. The bags are beautiful, and they can have these for a lifetime. They are wearing them," Thomas said. "Just to see the smiles on their faces, it is beautiful."
Thomas says he's in awe and that this Christmas will go down in history.