A Stratford community came together to help three children celebrate Christmas.

News 12 aired a story last week about 26-year-old Brandy Ruggerio, who recently died of cervical cancer, leaving behind three children, ages 5, 7 and 9. Support from the public and two local fire departments gave the children a Christmas to remember.

The Stratford and Bridgeport fire departments brought Santa Claus to their home on Vernon Street to pass out presents.

As previously reported, the children's dad said he was temporarily unemployed and worried he wouldn't be able to give them a Christmas.

The family was presented with donated money as well as groceries. Fire officials also told the father that they found him a job at a local church.

The family says they are grateful to everyone across southwestern Connecticut who contacted them and offered to help.