Youngest Texas church shooting survivor requests holiday cards for Christmas

Ryland Ward is the youngest survivor of the deadly church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. At just 5 years old, he was shot five times and is still recovering in the hospital. He has one simple Christmas wish: holiday cards for himself and his wounded friend, 6-year-old Zoe Braden.

They’ve already had a great response since his grandmother Sandy Ward put out the word. People from all over the country - and especially other kids - are sending Ryland and Zoe season’s greetings.

Students like those at Irma Marsh Middle School in North Texas are reaching out to the two children though they’ve never met.

“I want them to feel that they’re important and that we’re thinking about them and that we’re trying to do anything to make them happy,” student Shadya Lopez told Fox 4.

Walmart even donated ornaments for the students to decorate.

"He gets so many,” Sandy Ward said. “But he loves the ones from all the kids.”

Doctors say there’s hope that Ryland could go home for Christmas, but where ever he spends the holiday, he will be surrounded by his cards and all the love and support in their messages.

You can send a card to Ryland here:

Ryland Ward

P.O. Box 174

Sutherland Springs, Texas 78161