GOOD NEWS

12-year-old boy gives up Christmas gifts to make Grinch bears for sick kids

Nov 15, 2024, 5:57 PM | Updated: 6:45 pm

LEHI — Gavin Reeve spends his free time after school nowadays on the sewing machine.

“When he comes home, he does his homework, and that’s what he goes to,” said Reeve’s stepmom, CaLeanna Schaller.

Gavin is determined to make dozens of Grinch-themed teddy bears. He’s made around 80 so far, and on Dec. 4, with the help of The Angels Hands Foundation, he’ll give them to kids with rare illnesses.

“Helping people is just a better present than anything else, because it makes you feel good,” Gavin said.

Gavin Reeve on the sewing machine and creating the Grinch bears.

Gavin Reeve on the sewing machine and creating the Grinch bears. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

In fact, Reeve asked for materials to make the bears instead of a bunch of gifts this Christmas.

“He decided he wasn’t wanting to be selfish,” said Gavin’s dad, Kendall Reeve. “He didn’t want a lot of stuff for Christmas. He would rather do something to make other people happy.”

The Grinch bear created by Gavin for one of the children facing a medical condition.

One of the Grinch bears created by Gavin for one of the children facing a medical condition. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

Gavin wants to help because, in some ways, he knows what those kids and their families are going through. His mother, Ambrosia Mullins, died in 2021 from collapsed lungs after suffering from multiple illnesses. His family also faces similar challenges today.

“He’s watched me go through a lot of medical, too,” Schaller said, explaining that she lives with Evans syndrome, a rare blood condition. “I have to get tested every two weeks. And when it fails, I have to go through chemo.”

Gavin said he believes he’s doing what his mom would want him to do.

“I really like helping people because my mom was always a really nice person,” he said. “And CaLeanna also really likes to help people.”

A photo of Gavin and his mother, Ambrosia Mullins.

A photo of Gavin and his mother, Ambrosia Mullins. (Courtesy Kendall Reeve)

Reeve’s father will help him distribute the Grinch-themed bears dressed up in a Grinch suit.

“He just always symbolizes men in our family for some reason,” Kendall Reeve said. “My grandpa was the Grinch, and we always called him ‘the Grinch.'”

Gavin has already decided to make and give the bears again next year. He’s asking for help to buy the fabrics and stuffing, and his family has helped him set up a GoFundMe* page.

Kendall Reeve inside of the Grinch costume holding one of the bears.

Kendall Reeve inside of the Grinch costume holding one of the bears. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Good News

sisters Jhenna and Amber at disneyland...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Woman surprises big sister with trip to Disneyland

A Utah woman gave her big sister who has special needs a surprise birthday trip to Disneyland — a place she visited once as a child.

11 hours ago

jordan high school flag...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Jordan High School club hosts toy drive for Primary Children’s Hospital

Students with Jordan High School's HOSA club will host a toy drive for Primary Children's Hospital on Wednesday.

1 day ago

students in need shop at walmart...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Students in need get early Christmas presents

Over 750 students in need got early Christmas presents on Saturday thanks to the Jordan Education Foundation and community donations.

3 days ago

Utah Hockey's Sean Durzi talks with Mila Shaw as members of the Utah Hockey Club visit kids at Prim...

Chuck Wing, Deseret News

Looking Out for the Good: Utah Hockey Club players bring the fun to Primary Children’s patients

Utah’s newest professional team visited PCH for some holiday magic.

6 days ago

Choir students sing at Zions Bank...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Wasatch Elementary School choir helps Zions Bank ring in the holidays

Zions Bank welcomed more than 60 students from Wasatch Elementary School on Wednesday to ring in the holidays.

7 days ago

People work to gather donations for a statewide drive to help people in recovery. (KSL TV)...

Debbie Worthen

Statewide initiative launched to give back to those in recovery

This holiday season, North Star Recovery & Wellness is leading a statewide initiative to give back to those in recovery.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday Hacks for a Stress-Free Season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

Choosing the Right Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: A Trusted Name in Utah’s Home Appliance Industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

12-year-old boy gives up Christmas gifts to make Grinch bears for sick kids