For Latonya Scott and her nine children, Christmas is usually just another day.
There aren't any new toys to play with or new clothes to try on; there isn't even a Christmas tree.
But this year was different.
Two Toledo police officers yesterday delivered dozens of presents, a decorated Christmas tree, and food to Ms. Scott and her children.
The presents, which were stacked under the 4-foot tall tree in the living room, didn't stay wrapped for long.
Ms. Scott let the children - ages 1 to 16 - open up one gift yesterday afternoon and soon, wrapping paper covered their living room floor.
"Look what I got," said 4-year-old Marcellus Scott as he held up a new, blue football. The youngster then opened a second and third gift.
Seven-year-old Brianna Scott was thrilled when she opened a coloring book and a set of purple hair ties.
And although Destiny Fordham has been taught that Christmas is about more than presents, she too was excited to get a silver necklace, lip gloss, and a red pair of gym pants.
"I know that's not the real reason for Christmas," she said.
But the 13-year-old said the family's prayers were answered yesterday.
"We got presents from people who cared about us and wanted to help us," she said. "All we had to do is pray."
Mary Green, one of the officers who delivered the gifts to Ms. Scott's North Toledo home, said she and her partner met the family about a month ago.
The Fordham youth had gotten sick and was taken to the hospital, so the officers were there to check on the other children.
The children's manners and willingness to help their mother impressed Officer Green and her partner, Brian Vasquez.
"The older kids were taking care of the little ones," Officer Green said.
"We were just so impressed with the kids that we thought they deserved something."
The officers approached the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association a week later and asked it to help give the family a Christmas this year.
Officers donated presents, food, and the tree, Officer Green said.
Ms. Scott, who is separated from her husband, said it's been five years since her children opened Christmas presents.
"I didn't have any money to buy gifts," she said.
But watching her children scream with excitement when they opened their presents gave her a little hope for next year, she said.
"Even if I can only put two or three gifts under there, I'm going to do it," she said.
Contact Laren Weber at:
lweber@theblade.com
or 419-724-6050.
First Published December 22, 2007, 1:13 p.m.