Sometimes, Wishes Really Do Come True

In a world dominated by Wal-Mart with it's poor treatment of employees and where you hear stories about corporations like Hostess who bestow 1.8 million dollars in bonuses to its executives while dismissing their workforce as the company shuts its doors, it's so easy to view corporate entities as soulless monsters.  There is seldom any good news to report in the world of big business.  Today, I'd like to share with you a story about a large corporation you can feel good about.

Meet young James Groccia, age 10.  James' favorite toy in the whole world is his Lego's.  A couple of years back, James came upon a Lego building set that he wanted more than any other he had ever seen:  The Emerald Night Train Building Set.  His parents, wishing to teach their young son financial responsibily, told him that he would have to save up his money to buy the coveted toy.  So, save he did--for two whole years.  When he finally reached the purchase price, $100 he set about to purchase the toy of his dreams.  

Unfortunately, James found that Lego had discontinued the set and it was no longer available in stores.  The set had become a collectors item only available online at retailers such as e-bay and Amazon, but with a much higher price point that he couldn't afford.  He bid on a couple of auctions on e-bay, but never won.  In the end, James settled for another Lego building set, but he never forgot about his hearts desire, The Emerald Night Train.  

 Young James was deeply disappointed, but did not give up.  With the help of one of his therapists, he wrote a letter to the Lego Group explaining how much he loved his Lego's and that he played with them every day.  He also shared that he had Asperger's Syndrome and played with the bricks in his therapy group as well, and asked if they might have an extra Emerald Night Train set laying about the headquarters or if they had any ideas on how he might find one.

In our money hungry corporate society, you would think that the young man would have received a form letter in reply to his query, but that's not how they do things at The Lego Group.  The Danish family-run business responded--and in doing so, showed that they have a deep commitment to their young consumers, and brought immense joy to one young boy and his family.

A couple of months after writing his letter, James received a reply from the company  just two days before his tenth birthday.  They sent a letter commending James for his willpower and patience to save his money for so long to purchase their product, and suggested that perhaps, one day, he may find himself working for the company, stating that he certainly has the passion for their bricks to do so.  They also enclosed a brand new Emerald Night Train Building Set, just for James.  

James Groccia

This story resonates with me because I remember how much I loved my Lego's as a child. I have my own ten-year-old and her Christmas list includes a number of Lego Building Sets as well.  I'll feel pretty damned good when I buy her those building sets this year, knowing that I am supporting a company that has enough heart to make the wish of one ten-year-old boy come true.   To me, that kind of kindness makes all the difference.