Here is a sweet story about a young boy, about a train, and about the generosity of a company that goes above and beyond to make a child happy. Even though it happened back in October, it has such a wonderful Christmas feel to it I thought to share it with you. 🙂
LEGO fan James Groccia with his dream LEGO train
It all started out with a ten-year-old avid LEGO fan who wanted the LEGO Emerald Night really badly. Here is his story, with his own words, from a letter he wrote to the LEGO company – dated September 1st, 2012:
My name is James Groccia and I’m 10 years old. I have been playing with many LEGO sets and products since I was about 4 years old. I have LEGO brick sets, Hero Factory, Creationary, Lunar Limo and more. I participate in a LEGO Playgroup to help with my social skills (I have Asperger’s Syndrome), and I love playing with LEGO at home (I play with them every day).
A couple of years ago I saw the Emerald Night Train set and fell in love with it. I wanted it right away, but my parents said I had to save the money to get it. For two years I kept all the money I got for birthday and holiday gifts, some of my allowance, and some money I got for participating in a research project. At last, a couple of months ago I had my $100 and was ready to buy the LEGO set of my dreams!
My mom started looking for it online and could not find any. We checked the LEGO store in our area and they didn’t have it either. I was completely crushed. You’ve stopped making it! It seems the only way to get one now is to pay $250 on Amazon or eBay, since now it is considered collectible.
I got another LEGO set, thinking I could forget about the Emerald Night, but every time I see it anywhere online I get very sad and disappointed. I still want the Emerald Night so badly, but there are none to be found.
Do you have any at your corporate headquarters? Perhaps I could get one that way? If you have any other ideas, I would be happy to hear them. I have never wanted a LEGO set so badly ever in my life!
LEGO originally responded to James’ letter that unfortunately the Emerald Night has indeed been discontinued. However on his birthday a month later, James got the surprise of his life when the train showed up at his doorstep! The rest is recorded by James’ family with a hidden camera and posted on YouTube. The video is titled “Why LEGO is the Best Company in the World”. Check it out below! 😛
Sweet, huh? As you can see patience and determination still pays off, and there are still people in the world who are happy to assist you in your dreams. I’m sure James will be a life-long LEGO fan. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! And happy holidays! 😉
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