Moore Woman Joins 'The Secret Sandy Claus' Movement

The power of an international movement for Hurricane Sandy victims makes its way to Moore.

With the help of the "Secret Sandy Claus" network, a Moore mother of two now plans to make Christmas a reality for dozens of families affected by the May 20th tornado.

The man behind the movement, Michael Sciaraffo, has been wanting to expand his charity to Moore. Sonja Hughey has now made that a reality.

"I just wanted to pay it forward," Hughey said.

Hughey is a single mother who has her own struggles. She lost her job right after the Moore tornado, and has been trying to make ends meet for her family.

"It was really bad timing. We just kind of got hit with things that were just all in a row," said Hughey. "For a while, it was like we couldn't catch a break."

Hughey was searching for Christmas help when she learned about the New York based charity "The Secret Sandy Claus."

That charity has become an international phenomenon. The project began in the weeks leading up to Christmas 2012. Brooklyn, New York native Michael Sciaraffo and a group of volunteers handed out toys to kids affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Hughey wanted to be a part of the movement.

"Even though we had nothing, and even though we may not have rent paid for this month, and even though we may not have a lot, we have so much more than a lot of people that have lost their child," said Hughey.

She's now the head elf in Moore. She'll head a new branch of the organization to help families struggling to get gifts for their children.

On Christmas day though, Hughey with be Mrs. Claus, her son will be Santa, and her daughter, an elf.

The family will pair up children with toys and hand deliver them.

"I know how hard it's been for us, so having to lose everything and start back over with nothing, especially around Christmas time, having to hear everybody's stories, I just cannot imagine the predicament that these parents are in," Hughey said.

If you'd like to help Sonja and her family, she's created a Facebook page. You can also visit the "Secret Sandy Claus Project" website.

Hughey still needs about 50 more gifts for Moore families.