The thief who stole Christmas

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Just two days before Christmas, Andree Dickerson came home to one of the worst holiday surprises you could get.

"[We] looked on the couch and realized there was wrapping paper all on the couch," Andree says.

Someone had broken in to her Dayton home and stolen most of the gifts for her three kids, two of them boys with special needs.

"They really took from some great kids," Andree says.

The stress of it all landed Andree in the hospital for a short time.

"It's just too much to deal with just two days before Christmas," Andree says.

At a time when she'd usually be joyful, Andree was wondering how she could afford to replace the pilfered presents.

"I guess I'm going to have to pick up some extra shifts at work after Christmas try to make up for it," Andree says.

But until then, the family won't go without gifts.

You see Andree's 8-year-old daughter has already given her mom a present.

One that she'll remember for a long time.

She told her mom, "I won't be upset. It hurts they took all my stuff. I'll just be happy because it's Jesus' birthday."

"It made me feel a little better," Andree says.

The family says police checked for fingerprints but couldn't find any, which means it will be tough for them to catch the person behind the crime.