California family answers girl's 'balloon mail' to Santa

AUBURN, Wash. — A 5-year-old girl sent a letter to Santa attached to two pink balloons, and it ended up in the hands of a California ranching family who say they'll make the girl's wishes come true.

KOMO-TV in Seattle reports that Helen Cardenas, of suburban Auburn, wrote the note in Spanish, asking for a doll and some clothes.

Her mother, Rosa Cardenas de Beyes, helped send it. She says cash has been tight because she is out of work.

The note ended up nearly 700 miles away, in Laytonville, Calif.

Frank Sanderson says his son recognized it as a letter to Santa and the Sandersons had it translated. They drove to the nearest shopping mall to find gifts for the little girl and planned to ship them overnight Friday.