South Philly community brings holiday cheer to children in need

A South Philly rowhome was turned Santa's workshop on Monday with stacks of donated presents for local children to open this Christmas.

This community has adopted 30 families. Organizer of Making a South Philly Christmas Wish Samantha Regalbuto says a 31st was just added to the list. Meet Lexi who is a brave little South Philly superhero battling stage 4 Lymphoblastic lymphoma.

"We call her our little wonder woman. She's fighting like a superhero," her mother, Janine Mcalonan, told FOX 29.

One she'll meet later this week. A local teen has agreed to play the part and help put a smile on Lexi's face while she recovers from her latest dose of chemotherapy at CHOP.

"Her only wish is to be home for Christmas and that's what we're fighting for now," her mom explained.

Friends, family and strangers have been lifting the little one's spirits on her Facebook page : Fight with Lexi. The diagnosis has taken a toll on the entire family - emotionally and financially - the community is stepping up to help.

"What Lexi is in need of is monetary donations - gift cards," Regalbuto explained.

Regalbuto is working with a team of people to set up a bank account in Lexi's name. The donations will help her parents, Janine and William Mcalonan, a retired Philadelphia police officer fight to care for all 5 of their children and tackle medical expenses...

"It's so overwhelming. The kindness of people," her father said.

News of an early, humbling Christmas gift brought Lexi's mom to tears.

"This past week has been so big. I'm overwhelmed and so thankful that they're supporting my little girl to fight this."

If you're interested in donating to the Mcalonan Family this Christmas, reach out to Samantha Regalbuto of the organization, Taking Our South Philadelphia Streets Back at: 267-441-6010.