Santa's elf fills up oil tank for single mom in Gander, leaves card

A single mother in Gander is thanking the stranger who filled up her oil tank, and left a card but no name.

Sherry Gawley said she and her two sons will have a warm Christmas and would like to thank the mysterious Santa's elf.

"It's helping out for Christmas big timethis year," said GawleyMonday, adding that she is still in shock after receiving the unexpected gift, worth about $300,last week.

"The biggest expense before Christmas is always the oil bill, and that's taken care of and out of my way so Ican relax a little bit more."

The only clue is a card with a handwritten messageto Sherry, Brayden and Benjiman.

"Santa's elfleft you some warm wishes for Christmas," it reads. "Check your oil."

Gawley saw the card on her doorknob as she was leaving for parent-teacher interviews.

She thought, from the handwriting, that one of her son's friends had left the card, then ran to the basement to check her tank,which had been three-quarters empty.

"It was full."

Gawleysaid her boys have followed her post on Facebook, looking for the identity of the person she called her "oil fairy."

She told theCentral MorningShowthere are a lot of people who can use extra help this time of year.

"I just want everybodyout thereto know what happened, and hopefullythe person who did it heard that I really appreciated it. It's kind of frustrating not being able to thank somebody in person."