Christmas came early this year for one autistic boy who received hundreds of letters from people around the world after he made a wish for mail this year, KING-TV reported.
Instead of his usual presents like coloring markers or the latest movie on Blu-ray, 12-year-old William simply requested he receive mail this Christmas, his mother explained in a recent Facebook post. In addition to having severe autism, William cannot speak, so he signs or writes to communicate. He uses mail to stay in touch with his family in the South and in Canada.
"He LOVES getting mail," wrote Thomas, of Blaine, Wash. "I think he finds mail from others as affection."
Not wanting to disappoint her son, Thomas launched a social media campaign asking for everyone to send cards and letters to William, who has never been invited to a sleepover or birthday party.
"I have never done or asked for anything like this before but I felt the need to, the need that comes from being a mom and wanting to do everything in your power to make your child happy," Thomas wrote.
As of Saturday the mother's post has been shared more than 3,400 times since she posted it Nov. 25. Mail and gifts are pouring in, including a letter from Northern Ireland, KING-TV reported. Someone else sent him a new winter coat, Thomas wrote.
"I can't even describe it, everybody is loving your child and seeing him the way that you want them to see him," she told the station.
As for reading all of the mail, Thomas only lets William open a few at a time, but he can barely contain his excitement.
"I may let William open a few things this weekend as he spotted the stash tonight in a split second," she wrote Friday.
