Cy-Falls principal keeps late mom's generous spirit alive

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We've all been taught Thanksgiving is a time to help those in need.

But sometimes we forget who taught us everything we know.

"It makes me feel like I know her better," explained Kali Dunson. "Like I have a piece of her with me as I'm doing this."

"My mom was one of the sweetest, kindest people I know," said Becky Denton.

Ruby would spend every Thanksgiving collecting canned goods and delivering them to families in need.

So, when she died last month at the age of 89, her family thought it would be nice to ask mourners to donate canned goods.

"Call me ignorant, call me doubtful," laughed Becky. "I really thought we would get enough canned goods for about two or three baskets."

I'm sure you can guess what happened next.

People dropped off enough food to fill 40 baskets.

They also donated about $1,000 for gift cards. Even a local Foodtown got involved, sending over pounds of sugar, flour, and canned goods.

Now, Kali, Becky, and the rest of the family is scrambling to deliver all their holiday baskets.

"I think that my mother right now is laughing hysterically that we bit off more than we can chew," Becky said. "I think she thinks it's so funny that our expectations were low, because look at what just happened."