Employees step in to bring family gifts after mom died in freak accident

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Eight year old Andrew could only say, "Whoa!"

It was just like Christmas morning for Andrew, Makaela and Sofia, who say they never had this many presents. There were also sugary stocking stuffers.

But this holiday is different because their mom won't be with them.

"Really, really happy. This is unbelievable." Sofia said.

Wendy Rivera, 29, was killed last month when her car broke down on 610 southbound over Richmond. She was checking under the hood when another car slammed into her SUV. The impact knocked Rivera over the overpass.

Coworkers at a local State Farm office reached out to help, after seeing the story on ABC-13.

Daniel Tamayo said, "We can't bring their mom back, but at least we can bring a smile for them this year, for Christmas."

The 12, 8 and 4 year old are living with their mother's grandmother, Catherine Rivera.

"They feel a great loss and they need something. It doesn't replace the love, but it takes their mind away from their loss," said Rivera. "It's really overwhelming. It's good. There's still good people around, have compassion for ones in need."

Rivera says the younger ones may not grasp their loss, but she's hopeful this kindness will leave them with a lesson,

"To reach out and touch someone else because someone did something for them," she says.