Pocono News Section

Little Girl's Memory Lives on Years After Tragedy

Little Girl's Memory Lives on Years After Tragedy - Monday, December 21, 2009 at 5:35PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Monday, Dec 21, 2009 @ 05:35pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Dozens of children in Luzerne County will have a merry Christmas. It's all thanks to the family of a little girl who died in a fire at Christmas time.

4-year-old Angela Kriton died in 2005. Her family and students have turned that very dark time into a season of joy for other children.

The Kriton family was devastated by the loss of their little girl Angela, but they turned their loss into a celebration of her life into happiness for other families.

Children opening Christmas presents is what Christmas is all about for many. The excitement, the smiles, the laughter of innocence.

In this case, these smiles are made possible by the tears of the Kriton family of Hanover Township. These gifts are donated in memory of Angela, who was killed in a horrible fire in January of 2005.

Angela never opened all of her Christmas gifts that year. Her family believes their special angel was here for a reason. They started a toy giveaway for children at Luzerne County Head Start.

Angela’s father Tom Kriton said, "We never forget our daughter Angie. This keeps her fresh in our hearts. Every year we relive her memory, everything we had with her. Four years she gave to us. How special they were. And at the same time every year we’re helping little kids put on a smile."

Angela's brother started the memorial toy drive at Hanover Area Memorial Elementary School. The students collect toys, then play Santa. Jessie Keats said, "It makes me feel really happy to help the kids out… I feel like Santa Claus."

For Angela's mom and dad, their Christmas angel is here today. Carol Kriton said, "I think she is here in spirit. She would be just be in the middle of everything, going around to everybody, smiling… That was Angie."

This is the third year for the toy giveaway. The Kritons say the joy of their daughter will live forever.