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Jay Groccia
James Groccia, 11, saved for two years for a LEGO train, but by then the company had stopped making it. The company was so moved by his story that they sent him the set.
James Groccia has loved LEGO since he was about 4 years old.
But when the little boy told his parents a couple of years ago that he wanted the $100 Emerald Night Train set, which had more than 1,000 pieces, they hesitated before making the big purchase.
After all, the set was meant for 14-year-olds and they worried that James, who was 8 or 9 at the time, wouldn’t be able to put it together.
“We didn’t want to just go out and get him something that could have been too complex for him,” James’s dad, Jay Groccia, told TODAY.
The couple, who live in Boylston, Mass., also saw one of those golden parenting opportunities to teach their oldest child about responsibility.
“My wife just basically said, ‘If it’s something you really want, save up for it,” Groccia said.
James, who has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, did just that. It took him about two years to save up the $100.
And then, disaster struck. LEGO had stopped making the train set.
“All of a sudden there were none,” Groccia said. “The only ones we found were basically through the collector marketplace.”
The collector items were pricey – around $250 in some cases – and Groccia also worried that the used sets they could find online would have missing pieces. Still, the couple felt so bad for their little boy that they were even considering purchasing the pricey sets, or buying the hundreds of pieces individually.
James, who was by then 10, couldn’t get the Emerald Night Train set out of his head. Finally, with his mother’s help, he wrote a letter to LEGO explaining his situation.
It was the kind of letter that would break any parent’s heart, and yet also make them so proud. In it, he told the LEGO company about how much he loves their toys, and how he even uses them in a play group designed to help kids with autism build social skills.
And he told them how much the Emerald Night set meant to him.
“I got another Lego set, thinking I could forget about the Emerald Night, but every time I see it anywhere on line I get very sad and disappointed,” he wrote. “I still want the Emerald Night so badly, but there are none to be found.”
At first, LEGO said they could not help James. But then a package showed up at the family's door. It happened to be right around James’ 11th birthday.
Jay Groccia, James’s dad, is a professional photographer. He set up a couple of cameras, and captured the moment that his son opened up the box to find the train set he so badly wanted. (Warning: Tear-jerker alert!)
In an e-mail to TODAY, LEGO confirmed that they had sent the Emerald Night Train set to James. Michael McNally, the company’s brand relations director, said in the email that the company was humbled by the family’s decision to share the company’s gesture, which he noted is not a regular company practice.
As for James, his dad says that after he opened the box he still had to do his regular chores before dinner. He was able to work on the train that night, and he was up at 5:30 a.m. the next morning to work on it again.
For Christmas this year, James is asking for the train track to go with the Emerald Night set. His dad expects it’s far from the last LEGO set his son will ask for.
“That’s never-ending,” Groccia said.
Leave a Comment:
REALLY nice gesture Lego. You can be proud.
Absolutely! Home run Lego, home run!!
Nice job Lego.
Congratulations on making one little boys dream come true.
Also, thanks to mom and dad for making James understand it takes responsibility to get the things you want. As concerned and involved parents they understand their job is to give James what he needs, he can save up for the other things he wants.
I had Legos when I was his age. built stuff, tore them down, then stepped on wayward pieces =[ very great toy. Thanks, Lego =]
Okay, I'm a whimp!!!! After reading the story, I had to watch the video. Am I the only one that got teary eyed? What a feel good story! So happy for that boy! Fantastic job LEGO, you truly do care for your most important customers!
Love Lego. Well done.
That is such a cool story. BTW, you are never too old to play with LEGOs.
Talk about amazing customer service! :-) Either they must get few letters or they must have people who actually read all the letters they get. I used to play with Legos when I was young, so I can relate. There is magic in the role playing aspect of those sets... they really get the imagination going.
Blake, no I did as well. I may have a special reason for it, though ... my sister's youngest "boy" (he's now 18) has Asperger's as well, so I can truly understand how much this gift from Lego meant to this young man. People may not appreciate that "Aspies" generally do NOT have such enthusiastic emotional responses like this young man exhibited, but I certainly do.
On behalf of "Aspie" and other ASD aunts/uncles and parents everywhere: thank you, Lego for truly showing what a caring company is. Thank you to the parents for sharing this with the world, as well. You have left me with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.
touching story...thanks lego
That settles it... Legos for all my nieces and nephews this year!! Way to go Lego!
Having just read another story where the CEO of Papa Johns clearly called out his allegiance to "shareholders" over "consumers" (some would even call them customers), it is refreshing to read about Legos' heart-warming preference for its customers.
Decatur greg, my nephew will also be getting a set of Legos for Christmas!
How wonderful that a huge corporation can be touched by a little boys story. I think it is wonderful that received such a grand gift.
My son had a smaller problem where my son had accidently broken several pieces to a one of his Star Wars characters. We called Lego hoping to purchase the replacement parts, but to our surprise they just sent us a brand new set. Legos are a huge hit in our house and this small gesture impressed us!
And besides just being a really great company, they make amazing products. I have three boys who are MAJOR Lego Guys and there isn't a toy in the world I'd rather have them playing with. Good for all major brain functions...
Wow, that's a very kind gesture on their behalf & as a child development major, your 100% in the fact that lego's are great for children & big kids as well to "encourage our imagination & beyond!" : )
I'm sure others have probably mentioned this here, but parents (!!!) if your child wants something *THAT* badly - PLEASE learn from this and just go ahead and buy the thing while you can still find it! Your children do not have to know you purchased it in advance and they can continue just saving up for it even if you have it hidden away somewhere. Thank you Lego! As all are saying, GREAT JOB!!! :)
LOVE Lego :) There kits can be fairly pricy but as a parent of a child with Asperger's - I love this story!
Yes I have a son who is just 1 year old but I definitly will get him into lego's. I am 44 but when I was a kid I loved lego's also. That was 1979 and 80. That story is so heart warming and my children will always get into lego's. That is a great Christmas story
My son had a Make A Wish trip to the Lego factory in 1996 and it was awesome. We were treated like VIPs. The tour was amazing and we came home with several Lego sets to work on. Lego is truly one of the best companies in the world. My son is 23 and cancer free and he will always remember that trip. Thanks Lego.
I was part of a Lego family when a child and now the next generation are Lego lovers. This gesture shows class! Way to go, Lego!!
Asperger's syndrome is not a form of autism. It is in the autism spectrum, but it is absolutely not a form of autism. People need to do their research before they try to be an authority on a subject. I really wish this article would be corrected because it is only leading to more ignorance. My husband has asperger's and that is a common error, but it is a very frustrating one. Asperger's is only recently being understood and people are starting to hear about it more and more. Unfortunately a lot of people are hearing about it from articles like this, and rather than do the research they trust the author of the article to have done his research. Asperger's syndrome is a completely different diagnosis. Yes, it is in the autism spectrum, but I think you need to do some research on that to understand what that means, because it does not make it a form of autism at all. We need to be spreading awareness not ignorance. thanks :)
The article was about a kid getting a Lego set, and only mentions his Asperger's in passing. How is the author trying "to be an authority on the subject"? I'm sorry your husband has this, but c'mon, lighten up.
Asperger's is not the topic of conversation here. Maybe they misstated one detail, but seriously, "spreading ignorance"? Overly sensitive much?
That Madame is just nit picking. My 12 year old son has Aspergers and while it is not "autism" and is on the spectrum most doctors, teachers and other Professional people refer to it as a form of autism. Mind you an adult with aspergers is different then a child, but you would know that if yu had known your husband as a child.
Dear Ellen:
There was a news story a day or so ago about the medical community doing away with the Asperger's label and painting all adults and children on the ADS with the same brush Autism color brush. So, in effect, your husband DOES have autism. Yeah, I'm not happy about it either.
~ C NJ Mom, mom to 13 year boy with PDD-NOS and ADHD
P.S. My son loves Legos also. Awesome story and product! But damned expensive kits!
If you hunt around you can find lego's at yard sales etc. Not the full kits admittedly, but isn't it better to make the kids use their imagination? My kids couldn't have enough and we now have a huge box waiting for the grandkids.
as a parent of a child with aspergers even i get confused between autism and autism spectrum disorder. folks the main difference is the IQ level in people with autism is found to be 36 to 50 while kids with autism spectrum disorders have from normal to high even genius IQs. there is a new "book" coming out in 2013 which will change the way the people are labeled but right now aspergers is still under the name autism and also autism spectrum disorder. info found here and like i said it is so confusing even to a parent of these kids. one of the reasons my wife and I joined as many of the groups like the Autism Society and fought for changes to better help people with these. as for the main story Lego's have always been a great toy and company. the people working there are some great group of people. one of the few remaining places that know that without customers you are nothing. this set did not cost the company much but they changed this boys life forever. way to go Lego proving once again that you guys are the best
I understand your frustration. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers and it is complicated to explain to those who have not encountered it. HOWEVER, it is on the Autism Spectrum and therefore they are "technically" correct to use the term. And yes, as of next year the diagnosis "Aspergers" will be obsolete. I don't agree with the decision, nor did I agree with the decision to include it on the Spectrum. But, we gotta get used to it because next year our children will only have the Autism diagnosis to "categorize" them. Besides being a Mom to my lovely son on the spectrum, I am also a nurse AND an advocate for children with special needs. I commend your family for taking a proactive role in the ASD community and I also commend Lego for a truly beautiful gift to give this boy. As for the information regarding IQ levels of a child with Autism, it is hard to give a factual answer to that. It is hard to test a child who is nonverbal, who knows what could be going on inside that amazing mind. We are blessed that our children communicate and are able to give and receive love. So many parents are not that fortunate. My son tests in the top 1% of the nation if you go by the multiple IQ tests he has had as we searched for his proper diagnosis. But, I have no doubt that he has sensory and social complications that are in line with a child with Autism. There is no "textbook" case. Some are triggered by environmental factors which cause an autoimmune response, such as those children with celiac or sensitivities/ allergies to wheat/ glutens, dairy or soy. Some are particularly sensitive to heavy metals such as those found in vaccines (and NO I am not saying vaccines cause autism, I am saying in a very small percentage of children, their immune system can not break down the metals introduced), and some it is 100% genetic.. The key is to find the path best for YOUR child and move forward from there. For us the gluten free diet worked WONDERS!!!! He also does not consume HFCS. We can go weeks without any problems. But that is OUR story. I hope your family finds what works best for you. And I wish much love and many blessings to the family in this article. It is clear they are doing a GREAT job! And Lego has always had a special place in our home, my son LOVES Ninjago, this just makes me respect the company that much more!
As far as your insurance will be concerned going forward, autism is autism, asperger's is no more and is now autism.
Asperger's is being eliminated from the DSM when the new DSM-V is published.
It sounds to me like the author of this article was extremely thorough and quite possibly better informed than you are.
It seems you missed the whole point of the article
eelenw1881 is the definition of SCROOGE and totally missed the moral of the story. Thank god (or whoever you beleive in) that there are still companies in the US that believe a little childs dreams are what make this country great.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger%27s_syndrome
I do not usually comment on stories I read here, however, I feel I have to. In this world where companies put profit over most everything else it is great to read such a wonderful story. LEGO, you did something wonderful and didn't ask for anything in return, no dissclaimer asking to write about it or place it in the media, you simply said you could not help and then without any fan-fare had a change of heart and shipped it to the family. We consumers take notice of things like this, and as you know we respond. You did great. I wish everyone at LEGO a safe and happy Holiday(s).
I've always loved Lego, and a gesture like this is so incredible. I'm proud to say my son a few dozen lego sets, and they're the best toys I think a young boy could have.
Yeah!! Lego RULES!!
This is to Ellenw1881:
I have friends, two in fact, that have Autism and you are mistaken, Asperger's is indeed a form of Autism. I'm sorry if your medical professionals with which you work with led you to believe something different, which I have difficult in accepting.
The Autism Organization of the United Kingdom classifies it as a form of Autism. I believe you are, perhaps, working with professionals that have outdated information. It was in 1994 that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), first classified the disorder as seperate order, however, most professionals state it is a lessor form of Autism. In fact last week Asperger's, it was announced, is being dropped from revised diagnosis manual, as it is not longer viewed as such. Most professionals fee that Asperger's is indeed a lessor form of Autism, so many in fact that it prompted it being dropped and "combined"" as a form of Autism, which remains in the Manual.
One of the fears of parents of children with Asperger's have is that by its being declassified, their children will lose educational, medical, special needs equipment and other services. However, as the article the other day pointed out, it is still included in the manual, just under the general Autism Spectrum diagnosis. So the needed services will still be available.
It was also pointed out that some with Asperger's actually take pride in their diagnosis. I tend to think it gives them extra self-esteem and self-confidence to realize what they have accomplished in spite of what could have been a stigmatizing condition they have lived with all their lives.
great story...just wondering why they originally said that they couldn't help him...
I'm guessing that they didn't think they had any left over and came upon a set later on. Glad they did.
Playing with Lego's is one of my fondest childhood memories. You can accomplish so much with little plastic blocks and lots of imagination. Good Job Lego's!
Between LEGO'S and Lincoln Logs, me and my two other brothers never had a day that we didn't find something to build and play with! Aaahhh...the possibilities! Thanks LEGO for bringing back those memories!
I think this is great! My grandkids love Legos including the ones they've inherited from their dad and uncle. We have tons of them and my younger grandaughters are turning into Lego fans too.
As for the Aspie vs Autism rant, what's the deal? Are Aspies better than "Autistic" kids? Be happy your husband only has Asperger's and probably leads a fairly normal life. Or are you ashamed that he has even a touch of Autism? Shame on you!
I can't wait to show my son this he just loves LEGOS!
It's wonderful he got his train.
For a 10year old he really reads well. I know adults who can't read out loud as well as he did.
Very cool. I still love legos, even after 30 years. They are good for when I have a "writer's block" when I'm designing or coding. The ultimate therapy tool in my opinion.
My son had lots of Lego sets as a child, his favorite a large tractor (about 10-12 inches long), possibly a forerunner or early model of the Technic line. He is now 40 years old and an architectural engineer. Wishes he hadn't gotten rid of his, but is building a collection.
Each year my grandsons (ages 9 and 10) get a new set for Christmas from him, and Uncle Mike sits down to start it with them. He has taught them how to follow the instructions, so they can do pretty much all of them by themselves. But then they put the instructions aside and let imagination take over :)
Last year I bought him the perpetual calendar, so he can have fun each month adjusting the dates to the correct day of the week.
When I was a kid, I played extensively with Legos. I have always thought that I had Asperger's(or whatever they're calling it now) as, reading the symptoms, they fit me pretty well growing up. I didn't really want to play or interact with other kids but I could spend hours upon hours building whole cities out of Legos - which I would then destroy in 20 seconds when my green army men shelled them with golf-ball artillery.
I actually made up a set of my own with instructions and took pictures of - it was a toll booth with a guy manning it and a raising and lowering toll arm - and sent it to the company to see what they'd say. They sent back a 2 page letter, 2 big boxes of legos, and 3 different catalogs which I remember shocking me at the time even at the age I was - probably 9 or 10. This company has always seemed to have a lot of class.
You simply cannot buy the kind of goodwill Lego has earned through this act of compassion. And I have no doubt that they did not intend for this to become publicly known.
Great going LEGOS. Nice thing you did. Expect a spike on your next sales report.
Good job, parents, at teaching your children to save up for something they want.
Also, EXCELLENT reading skills that kid has!
Lego's have always been a favorite in our house. My kids are are all older now and don't play with them any more, but I remember the days when i would carry a ziplock baggie in my purse filled with Lego's to entertain the boys.