A Secret Santa surprises a stunned grandmother who walks everywhere & is raising two grandchildren

#eastidahonews #secretsanta #surprise
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season.
Meri has spent countless hours volunteering and helping others in our community, especially if it involves the youth. Over the years, she has received many awards for her volunteerism in the community. She was named Idaho Falls Citizen of the Year, Eight Who Make a Difference, Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade, JC Penney Golden Rule award and others.
She is now 70 years old, widowed and retired on a limited income. In her retirement, she is raising two of her grandchildren ages 7 and 13.
About a month ago, the timing chain on her car went out, ruining the engine and making it unrepairable. It was her only mode of transportation. Now, she either walks or tries to borrow a car to go to the store and to get the youngest grandchild to and from school. She also has to get rides or walks to get the girls to their counseling appointments, school meetings, activities, and other appointments. Two weeks ago, the youngest was ill and at 11 p.m., she walked to the store to get her some 7Up to try and make her feel better.
Meri has always tried to be self-sufficient, even delivering food for DoorDash when she had a car and needed extra money to make ends meet.
Secret Santa asked if we could pay Mari a visit and surprise her with an early Christmas gift. Watch the video in the player above to see how it turned out!
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[@marybarrett47]

From a grandmother named Mary, who also raised a grandchild, God bless you, Mary.

[@zozzarogeorge6720]

WHAT A SWEETHEART

[@oiaiofoster4775]

This is One of Most Emotional Secret Santa Surprises Ever!!!!!! Not Too Much Ppl Think About Grandparents Anymore. 😔

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

not in the Usa anyway.

[@oiaiofoster4775]

Alainn........It can be Anywhere in The World. U.S.A is One of The Most Greatest & The Most Generous Countries in The World. Unfortunately Our Own Country Don't Take Care of the U.S.A First!!!!!! They are Busy Helping Other Countries that Don't Care About The U.S.A!!!!! & It Depends on The Parents Upbringing.

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

​@@AlainnCorcaighDon't generalize an entire country based on your cynicism and personal anecdotes.

[@LabMama3]

Sadly, this is true

[@susanf4857]

So many grandparents raising grandkids 😭❤️

[@lifeofcrafting247]

What an amazing woman and how everything every thought was about “her girls” God bless the secret santa for helping fix what got “broken first”

[@MK-hx5wd]

Bless her heart! 70 years, raising her granddaughters, ones only seven... I can't imagine. Hope she'll be around for as long as THOSE GIRLS NEED HER!!

[@kens.3729]

Grandma’s are the True Heroes in our Lives. 👍🙏

[@chrik25]

She kept bringing up her girls even though they are not there you can tell she wanted to share that moment with her loved ones. She is amazing!

[@BillyAlabama]

I really like this lady.

[@melindablunk613]

When she said it’s what any grandmother would do…I almost lost it. Such a sweet woman.

[@nicklager1666]

Grandmother works more than most adults that i know. remarkable bless her

[@vertderferk]

I have one elder left in my life. I am in my mid fifties and an do not want to be the elder. You are 1000% correct. Bless her

[@sharonmickey4566]

AMEN!!

[@kristinapriest2545]

amen

[@dogmama2many]

I love Mary! I bet she is a great neighbor too. Her Granddaughters are so lucky to have her. Merry Christmas Mary!

[@emily3]

This made me cry! I just lost my last surviving grandparent and I miss her! such a beautiful video though 😭

[@alidapretorius5890]

Oh, she is the loveliest Grandmama!! Thank you Secret Santa, for spreading so much beautiful love and help to those who need it !! I'm in Australia, but I'm hooked on this program every year!

[@artinheaven4572]

63 year old man sitting with tears in my eyes for that wonderful woman's struggle, and what you did for her. Don't ever stop doing this.

[@williamstevenson9057]

Me too !

[@paulbrouwer4717]

I am 65 got the same problem

[@bobrush5222]

68 here and the same thing! how wonderful this is for her. Bravo Secret Santa

[@jameswarfield4152]

69 year old doing just the same.

[@scottielover5415]

77 here w/tears also.

[@Shankulaaa]

I am the granddaughter of an amazing woman who raised me from toddlerhood to teen years...She saved me, and I am crying because I'm so moved by what this loving, selfless woman is doing for her granddaughters. I truly believe there's a special place on the other side for family members who step in to raise children who wouldve been otherwise neglected. This gift couldn't possibly have gone to a more worthy individual. ❤

[@kariay50]

❤👵

[@dominicbonarrigo6502]

My grandma helped raise me too.

[@Lynn-f4g]

Trust me as a Grandmother raising her Granddaughter since she was nine days old,she's now about to be five you were her biggest blessing!You love your children,but when you become a Grandma it's a love even deeper.Theres a love and bond there for you that's unexplainable!

[@MaryKelly-ji8ve]

Your grandmother is exactly the same as this lady and i bet she is so proud of you ❤

[@Shankulaaa]

​​@@MaryKelly-ji8ve I lost her 21 years ago on December 19th...the anniversary of the worst day of my life. My grandma Joanne was my best friend, biggest fan, and the only person on earth who I have ever trusted would never hurt me. Your words were really needed by me today, thank you.

[@robertc49]

It's not what any grandma would do. It's what a loving grandparent would do. This one was a great Secret Santa. And there's so much more to come. I love to cry happy tears it's refreshing for my soul.

[@ilb735]

Right there with you! 🥂😂👍🏼💝

[@theresebabel8241]

From one grandma who raised 2 grandsons to you, you are God's gift to your grandchildren. God bless you forever

[@cwalters7399]

Wow!!! "..sometimes things need to be broken before they are fixed " priceless wisdom, what a sincere heartfelt humbling reaction ❤

[@fire12731]

Her grandchildren are blessed to have her

[@Boogledigs]

What a wonderful woman. So dignified, strong willed and full of love.

[@amyfender1]

Okay, I need a part two on this one!! I would absolutely love to see her as she shows the kids the car. That's something I would love to see. As I watched this it's like I could see the weight immediately lifted off of her shoulders....... like physically. She took a deep breath and actually stood up a little bit straighter. That sense of being able to finally take a breath because you know everything's going to be okay. What a precious soul she is and I'm so thankful for secret Santa and for Nate and all of the team. Thank you so much for all that you do

[@courtneesdad]

I know. I was hoping Nate would have stuck around until they did

[@paulthomas5901]

2:06 "There's nothing special about me", says the worlds nicest lady while wearing her pink sweater with a cat's face on it. 😅👏 I guarantee her grandkids know how special she is. They're very fortunate to have her as a wonderful role-model. 💪❤️🖖🙏

[@conniemalloy8494]

God bless Mary ❤❤❤

[@teresam2261]

I am not sure anyone can watch this without crying. It’s clear she has a heart of gold. What an amazing and deserving person. Thank you Secret Santa! ❤

[@courtneesdad]

I’m an old man and my eyes were leaking

[@claudiatapia8310]

Yep, same here and Nathan had the right words to tell her, so emotional ❤🥲🙏

[@barba5537]

Not me , anyway. I wish her safe travels from the other side of earth. NZ.

[@teresam2261]

@@barba5537 That’s ok, and it is kind of you to wish her well. 💕

[@LabMama3]

I watched this twice and cried both times. I’m so happy for her.

[@dixie3086]

Ok. This one made me cry. I'm a 70 year old widow helping raise a grandchild. He's 21 in a few days. God Bless you Secret Santa and God has already blessed this lovely lady.

[@krisbradbury8602]

Gave me chills watching this one. What a wonderful grandmother! Many years ago I was raising 4 children (only one was mine, one was my nephew and two others were a friends children that she couldn't take care of), my disabled sister and cousin lived with me as well and our vehicle caught fire. I had to walk everywhere when I couldn't find a ride. I would dig out the old baby stroller and would walk the 5 miles or so to the closest grocery store and use the stroller to bring back groceries when I couldn't find a ride. I was finally able to purchase a vehicle at a police auction for a mere $500. The car was worth about $3500. One of my neighbors paid for the registration and a year's worth of liability insurance. It was a true blessing! God bless her and her granddaughter's!

[@klutfy]

I'm not crying, you're crying. 😭♥

[@loveforeignaccents]

That was such a good one. She was so overwhelmed and trembling but so appreciative. I only wish someone could record her grandkids' reactions when they saw it and found out and sent that in. Thank you, Secret Santa, and EIN!

[@courtneesdad]

I was thinking the same thing

[@sharonwebb945]

Worthy recipient! So so glad you gave her a car. I can only imagine how relieved she is after receiving both gifts…. Beautiful story

[@valerienelson3296]

We love you secret Santa❤

[@davidward5545]

You are Really AMAZING...God bless you always...Vicky

[@djohnranch]

Tough and tender. Great job grandma!

[@MadderMel]

' There's nothing special about me ' Yes !I There IS !!

[@seanmcgloin8908]

The world needs more news like this, and more people like Mary.

[@lisac9342]

I have watched these stories all week and by far, this is my fav. She sooooo appreciated and needed this gift. Everybody needs a Gma like her. Blessings.

[@marjorieo.8288]

Grandparents are the absolute best! My grandparents raised me and my sisters and cousins. The best people ever

[@nadinefrandsen6087]

I love this!! Beautiful story and well deserved💗

[@stevegalish1037]

What a wonderful and deserving lady! Thank you Nate and thank you Secret Santa!

[@kenrowan9218]

This was so touching,warmed my heart, tears in my eyes.God bless this dear lady ,and who ever was so kind to do this for her.

[@karenpower1643]

Damn onions making me cry again!

[@shortafewbolts]

Thank you Secret Santa, Thank you East Idaho News....Thank you for being a special person Mary.

[@joycef8443]

Did y’all catch that she is raising a 7 year old!!!! God Bless her

[@smileyone1612]

​@@joycef8443 2 girls.

[@texas2step266]

This very special woman got a well-deserved gift from a loving person, delivered by other kind and giving people. Don't you want to just hug them all? Secret Santa stories remind me that among our friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. are many very kind and generous people, often in ways no one else ever sees.

[@cristianalvarado434]

God bless her ❤❤

[@Cecilia-fc3sg]

I also am 70 and this touched me a great deal. I can't imagine having to do all she does. Such a beautiful attitude. Blessings on her.

[@juicyjules7409]

Yes strong lady 😮😢💖😘

[@directive21]

This is so beautiful!

[@karenjones1897]

i am so glad i found this channel on youtube. makes my heart happy.

[@kathleenardrey5094]

Wow! What a lovely grandmother! I loved it when she says "my girls" about the granddaughters! They will be so happy and proud of her. She is a lovely example of love, stability, and caring for children is all about. Plus, her kitty sweatshirt shows how much fun she must be, too! peace

[@randychappell980]

How deserving! So appreciative of the giving spirit of the Secret Santa! May we all make a difference in the lives around us!

[@george8873]

Was super sweet how she was calling her grandkids my kids. She sees them as her own kids now. Loved how she was saying how happy they will be about having a car now.

[@goosewhisperer6275]

🥰 Yes! I was wishing the kids were there, so we could see how excited/happy they were! 🥰

[@FreddyFuFu]

You make my holiday season each year

[@tikbalangbukid]

Granny truly deserves the car, gifts.

[@vitsteele-lz2hn]

Hallelujah

[@pamprier4710]

My only comment this time is... WOW!!

[@jameswhitman8710]

My wife and I adopted our two grandchildren and have been since they were under a year old(there 10 months apart) and now are 15 and 16 y/o. Both are the miracle of our lives and doing so well in school. This one got to me.

[@jcspider7259]

We ALL LOVE YOU, Meri. You are a deeply wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@milling37]

God bless her..She deserves this 🙏❤️

[@mabelregimal5407]

Awww Nate! "There's a lot special about you"! What a nice thing to say to someone.

[@laurengilliland6272]

Thank you, Secret Santa for providing her and those girls a car!!!❤❤❤

[@act2lifeafter50]

Every year, I wait for EIN and Secret Santa. I cry with joy along with the recipients. Thank you, Secret Santa! Many blessings Mary!

[@susanf4857]

I look forward to these videos so much!!! ❤️

[@Krampus360]

I do too ! 👏👏👏

[@cynthiaahern9081]

I don't usually cry when watching these, but this one got me 😢😢❤

[@heathercloete7450]

What a granny. 💕 from a granny in South Africa 🇿🇦

[@bonierl]

God bless her, she more than deserves it🙌🙏❤. I would looooooove to see her girls reaction.

[@cynthiak5422]

Meri is so deserving of this. She is a very special lady! ❤

[@VioletJoy]

The fact that she said there was nothing special about her shows how special she really is.

[@jazc2022]

Absolutely agree!!! Would luv to see a follow up on this Wonderful Woman & Grandmother

[@altrace-l9x]

"It's what any grandmother would do" she says - sadly thats not so in the world today but she is an awesome example to her 2 granddaughters and I hope they have a lovely thanksgiving together xx

[@jenniferjames9730]

This is my fave one! ❤️❤️❤️👌👌👌

[@rogermckinnon5738]

Such a humble lady and so deserving merry Christmas

[@scottfw7169]

Loving her cute and cheerful cat sweatshirt. 😸

[@iHATEFORCE]

My favorite time of day is midnight when it's Secret Santa season!

[@Francesc2000]

What a wonderful grandma and awesome secret Santa.

[@cdnest]

THANK you for this from Hamburg, Germany! I LOVE when good things happen to good people ! Please never stop doing this !

[@marjorieo.8288]

Mary deserves all the best and more❤

[@evelynlee1807]

Thank you Secret Santa for helping this precious family. God bless ya'll!

[@mildredmorine745]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, secret Santa. I cannot thank you enough, honestly. That dear soul at her age bringing up her grand children, what a remarkable grandmother, not one complaint. The dear soul was shaking from the shock. What a remarkable man you are to do such badly in need remarkable deeds for those who are so in need of a helping hand. I love you secured Santa you fill my heart with happiness, joy, watching your wonderful act of kindness taking place. You are loved, appreciated, I know it brings you joy, happiness, to be in a position to be able to be in a position to do this. Life is wonderful in times such as these. Thanks for caring, sharing, you are blessed !!!.

[@nancymathew4253]

How can you not cry watching these - I’m crying for her and her grand daughters - what a blessing- God is great and secret Santa is great . So many giving people in this world . ❤

[@catross740]

Every episode i watch, i say "ohhhh that was my favorite one EVER" this episode was no exception ❤❤❤❤

[@gloriaorth4628]

Couldn't have gone to a more deserving grandma ❤️ God bless you Secret Santa

[@williamfitzpatrick4533]

God Bless you Mary! We love you.

[@garyroelli855]

Thanks once more to the Secret Santa and all involved. Merry Christmas!

[@martinfreeman8486]

Great lady wonderful ❤😊😊

[@jamespepper8671]

YAY!

[@mr2646]

She has a big ❤. She only thinks to her granddaughters. Beautiful soul.

[@kelseyhazelton9632]

God bless you Mary ❤

[@jeffcoley668]

I think God just has. He always see our good deeds like her taking her grandchildren and giving them a loving home grandma's. Oh yes and secret Santa's.

[@Irish-Triplet]

God bless Secret Santa, Mary, her girls, and East Idaho News! Who's cutting onions?!?❤

[@ms.one-town901]

You just want to hug her. Granny’s are the absolute best. Miss mine!♥️😭

[@juliefuraitor5610]

Same here. 😭

[@Macgyverbrown]

As someone who was raised by their great-grandmother, this was especially moving for me. Grandparents her second to none what an amazing lady!

[@TheWatcher818]

I love that good people always say, “it’s what anyone would do”. We know that’s not true. Every parent/grandparent does not do the right thing. That makes the good ones, Mary included, very special. Happy new year everyone, and thanks again EIN.

[@emrsdca]

I am so happy for her!!❤

[@kiefermomcm-c3856]

❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏

[@debbrown995]

I'm always touched by how many Secret Santa gift recipients insist they are nothing special or that others deserve help more. I think that's a true sign of a giving heart. Bless this Grandma!

[@2times2is4]

Wonderful story. So many grandparents raising children when they should be relaxing

[@deborahaviles708]

She is one beautiful lady. She's beautiful inside & out. I'm so glad she's no longer going to have to walk in the cold any longer. Living on a fixed income is hard enough without the extra added costs associated with raising 2 kids. I would love to hug her if I could. If more people were like her the world would be a better place ❤ Thank you, Secret Santa 🎅 🧑‍🎄 We love you from all over the world 🌎 ❤️🍎🗽🇺🇸

[@TonyEdward-f4p]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lynnetrathen4587]

My best friend is raising 2 out of 5 grandbabies instead of being able to retire their ages are 3 & 13 both are autistic. This makes her an absolute angel 🥰 she struggles at times but she’s doing it. This beautiful lady has stepped up in her retirement and taken on young kids so this also makes her an incredible Nana 🥰🥰

[@susanf4857]

Wow!! Praying for your friend!! 🙏❤️

[@Gnomemansgarage]

wish I could do what he does it would be really cool

[@DistinctiveThinking]

What a humble and loving woman! All she could talk about was 'her girls' being so excited. Oh my! She IS somebody special! ❤❤❤

[@annettefabiano3578]

Just a beautiful story. Mary is special. The kind of Grandmother everyone deserves.

[@valkyrieelyn860]

I’m a senior raising a grandchild. Bless this grandma for stepping up and thank you so much for helping her! ❤️

[@davidpietarila699]

The people most deserving, are usually the ones that think they are least deserving. I like it when Secret Santa proves them wrong.

[@emily3]

Agreed!!! 😭

[@PatricesProjects]

Mary is precious. So humble. The way her hand shook when she saw the key almost made me cry.

[@ThatHomelessScrubbalo]

I look forward to these Secret Santa videos all year. It just sucks that i have to wait till the end of a terrible year to finally get my spirits up... It always feels good to see these videos! Thank You Secret Santa and East Idaho News!

[@kelperdude]

A very special grandmother.

[@dennok3357]

The relationship between grandparents and grandkids is usually very strong, there's a special bond between them and I understand why the granny here is committed to raising her grandkids. God bless her to see them grow and be independent.

[@williamhanna4823]

The old joke says that grandparents have a special bond with grandchildren because they are united against a common enemy.

[@uwone7778]

Nice work East Idaho News!