Frederick Johnson Sr., from left, sits nearby as his children Frederick III, 10, Febrina, 12 and Frederick Jr. box up the many Christmas gifts donated from Macys in the Treasure Coast Mall and money collected from the faculty of F.K. Sweet Elementary while at the school in Fort Pierce on Thursday December 18. The family received the gifts and financial assistance during a meeting in the school lobby after class. Frederick Johnson Sr. suffers from Lou Gherig's disease and is in need of financial assistance to pay the family's power bills due to his dependence on medical machines in the home as well as help with providing gifts for the family.



FORT PIERCE — Sabrina and Frederick Johnson are "very blessed, fortunate and excited" with the response they've received from the community.

Last week, employees at their youngest son's school, Frances K. Sweet Elementary, gave the family a money Christmas tree. And Macy's donated a gas card, a food basket, a Wal-Mart gift certificate and at least 40 wrapped gifts. From other donors the family received more wrapped gifts and three months of their utility bill paid.

"This is such a blessing," said Sabina Johnson. "We didn't know what the Christmas Wishbook was all about and now we have a lot off our shoulders."

Sabrina's husband, Frederick, is constrained to his automatic wheelchair by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease. He requires 24-hour care so she isn't able to work outside the home, and she takes care of their three children. Their monthly utility bill is $440 and the family survives on less than $1,000 a month.

Wishes: Fulfilled: Sabrina Johnson said they have everything they need and are very grateful for all the people that have made a "very special Christmas possible" for her family.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/dec/...ents-pours-03/