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Valley family replaces stolen Disneyland money

Posted at 7:45 AM, May 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-17 11:30:59-04

A Valley family is making magic happen for three San Tan Valley kids.

"Your hard work and love can never be stolen as now it has been shared with the world and inspires others," Victoria Burke wrote in a note to Mariel, Elena and Emmanuel Mata.

ABC15 arranged for Burke, her husband, Brian, and son, Orion, to meet the Mata family, whose home was broken into earlier this month. Among the the items stolen was $600 cash savings intended for a Disneyland trip. The Mata children had been saving up for three years.

"My family had their house broken into and they stole my piggy bank so I can really relate to that feeling of sadness and violation," Burke said.

Included in a Disney gift bag from the Burke to Mata family was a $600 donation, replacing what was taken.

"I'm so happy to see the kids just elated and thrilled," Burke said.

After our report first aired, ABC15 heard from people across the country wanting to help.