Police and volunteers help provide Christmas for Lake Forest Park family



LAKE FOREST PARK, Wash. --  One family in Lake Forest Park got some surprise Christmas decorations Thursday night. They were hung up by the chimney with care by their local police officers.

Lake Forest Park police officers and their families spent their Christmas Eve trying to make spirits bright -- literally.

“We’re bringing a little Christmas to a family that didn't have Christmas coming,” says Captain Paul Armbrust.

The family didn’t have lights, stockings, or a tree. But thanks to the generosity of the police department, the Rotary Club, and some local businesses, their home is now filled with Christmas spirit.

“A bunch of people pulled together, donated money, lights, and decorations,” says Armbrust. “We figured if we're going to do it, we're going to do it up right.”

Most of the volunteers didn’t know the family they were helping, but that didn’t matter.

“I’ve been poor before and know what it's like to not have things,” says Julie Armbrust. “We have the means now, so why not share it?”

“It’s the holidays, Christmas,” adds Cyndie Matthews. “That’s what it's all about, it's about giving.”

The ‘Christmas elves’ didn’t want any credit, so they chose to leave before the Rossi family came home. But the Q13 News cameras were there when David and his three daughters pulled up and saw the magical transformation.

“When I came home, I was really surprised,” says 12-year-old Alannah Rossi.

“I honestly never seen anything like this before,” her 14-year-old sister Angie Martinez adds.

The girls all said they already felt blessed to have a dad who loves them and tries to give them everything.

“He gets up every day and works his butt off to provide for us,” says 15-year-old Keirra Rossi, as she tries to hold back tears.

Their dad is glad that this Christmas, they get to have a little more.

“That’s what made it worth right there, seeing the looks on their faces,” says David Rossi. “Because it’s all for them, and they deserve it.”

David says if he has the means next year, he wants to pay it forward and help another family enjoy Christmas.