(MURFREESBORO) There were tears, laughter and hugs as SECRET SANTAS made a surprise stop at Murfreesboro's Child Advocacy Center.

The Child Advocacy Center Secret Santa Program started in December of 2000. Every year, needy children are matched with their own special Secret Santa.

It is not too late for you to get involved. Needy families come to the Child Advocacy Center every day. You can donate Wal-Mart or grocery store gift cards to help them. They can be mailed or dropped off at the Child Advocacy Center located at 1040 Samsonite Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

"This is the best week of the year at the Child Advocacy Center, said director Sharon De Boer as she smiled. "Generous Secret Santas dropped off brightly wrapped Christmas presents for needy children and their families. There were tears, laughter, and many hugs from parents and grandparents who were so grateful that their precious little children were going to have an amazing Christmas."

The Child Advocacy Center is a non-profit agency that works as a team with the Department of Children's Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney's Office to respond to child abuse cases, investigate the crime, aggressively prosecute sex offenders, and help children and their families heal from the trauma.

De Boer concluded, "I feel humble and blessed this holiday season to have played a small part in the magic of Christmas for child abuse victims who just experienced the worst year of their lives. Merry Christmas to all the Secret Santas who made children's dreams come true this Christmas. We hope your life was enriched by the experience."

For more information call the Center at (615) 867-9000.