Livermore police and firefighters help girl who lost mom on Christmas

LIVERMORE, Calif. (KGO) -- We're learning more about a 6-year-old whose mother died on Christmas. You may recall that Livermore police and firefighters got together to collect gifts for the little girl. Child Protective Services has asked that we not mention her name or show her face.

The Bay Area watched the touching moment when Livermore police surprised a 6-year-old with gifts the day after Christmas.

Just 24 hours before, the little girl had shared her grief with Officer Dave Morris when her mother was taken away in an ambulance.

"What can I say? This was a 6-year-old girl who the first words out of her mouth were 'Santa didn't come because mommy wouldn't wake up.' It immediately broke my heart," said Morris. "How do you not become emotionally involved?"

Her mom, 39-year-old Angela Alves had moved to Livermore two years ago. Police say Alves had run away from a domestic violence situation with the girl's father. At times she and her daughter lived in shelters. But that week, one of the 6-year-old's teachers paid for a hotel room at a Best Western.

Unfortunately on Christmas Day, Alves became ill and was found unconscious by the hotel staff. She later died.

The little girl was then taken to live with a foster family. It was there that she was showered with Christmas gifts.

"Before I knew it, we literally had a truck full of presents for this little girl," said Morris.

Firefighters and police did more than just deliver these gifts, they were able to set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the family's expenses.

The child's grandmother flew in from Florida. Police also say the 6-year-old's estranged father arrived in the Bay Area to request custody of the child.

"He will be going to the court proceedings and fighting for custody and he absolutely has the right to fight for custody of his child," said Morris.

In the meantime, the girl remains in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Livermore police and fire are now asking for your help, they've set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses.