A Massachusetts boy who believed that his dream toy was no longer available received an amazing surprise on his 11th birthday - all courtesy of Lego.

James Groccia of West Boylston, who has Asperger's syndrome, set his heart on the expensive Emerald Night Train set over two years ago.

Keen to instil a sense of financial responsibility, his parents told James that he had to save up the $100 needed for the train himself. Then, after two years of patient saving, the Groccias discovered that this model had been discontinued.

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James Groccia had been saving for the toy for two years but had given up hope of getting it. Until Lego stepped in

The Emerald Midnight Train was suddenly a collectible item and priced as such at specialist online retailers.

Karen Groccia, James's mother, told the Banner: 'I just couldn't believe it wasn't available anymore. It was all over the place last Christmas, but there weren't any available, now.

'There were some available on e-Bay and Amazon, but they were over $200. That was just too much.'

The family attempted to enter some bidding wars on E bay but nothing worked out. Then Dawn Hartnett, a social worker who runs the Lego therapy sessions for autistic and Asperger's children that James attends, had an idea. They could write to Lego directly.

Groccia wrote to Lego to explain his problem

James had put every penny towards the Emerald Night Train

In the letter James explained exactly what had happened.



'For two years I kept all the money I got for birthday and holiday gifts, some of my allowance and some money I got for participating in a research project. At last, a couple of months ago I had my $100 and was ready to buy the LEGO set of my dreams,' he wrote.

'My mom started looking for it online and could not find any. We checked the LEGO store in our area and they didn't have it either. I was completely crushed. You've stopped making it!

'I got another LEGO set, thinking I could forget about the Emerald Night, but every time I see it anywhere online I get very sad and disappointed. I still want the Emerald Night so badly, but there are none to be found.

'Do you have any at your corporate headquarters? Perhaps I could get one that way? If you have any other ideas, I would be happy to hear them. I have never wanted a LEGO set so badly ever in my life,' he wrote.

Lego wrote back, apologizing that the Emerald Night Train had been discontinued but confirming that it was no longer available. It seemed unlikely that James would ever get the toy he had been saving towards for two years.

A surprise package arrived at the Groccia family home

Then two days before his 11th birthday on October 19, a box addressed to James arrived at the family home.

Inside the package was a letter from Lego and brand-new model of the much sought after toy.

The family filmed an overjoyed James opening the box and put the video on YouTube, titling it: 'Why LEGO is the BEST Company in the World.'



James also read out the heart-warming letter from the toy giant, which said:

'The Emerald Night Train is a wonderful set, so we can understand why it is your dream to own it. I commend your willpower and patience to save money for over two years just to purchase this set.

An Emerald Night Train set, the object of James Groccia's desire

'We have located an Emerald Night Train for you, James, and included it in this package! I am sure you will enjoy building it and cherish your time playing with the train.

'Fans like you are why we are so lucky as a company. Who knows, maybe you will be working for The LEGO Group one day! You certainly have the heart and passion for our bricks to do so! Happy building, James!'

The whole family are grateful to Lego. Karen Groccia said:'This great, great company went above and beyond to make the dream of a child come true.



'It's rare these days that a company will respond in such a generous and personal way and we are very surprised and grateful.'



Even Michael Groccia, James's younger brother, put fraternal jealousy aside. As the 10-year-old James reads out the letter on the video Michael appears to wipes a tear from his eye.



Michael Groccia, James's little brother, appears to wipe a tear from his eye as the surprise is revealed