The mother of 10-year-old Michael Clyne says her son never talks to strangers. But this year, he approached Santa Claus and shared his wish: the "Applepie Ginger Cat." He'd become obsessed with the wooden toy after seeing it online. Michael's mother wanted to surprise him for Christmas, but the toy was discontinued.
They got it figured out, thanks to strangers and cyberspace. People online flooded Applepie Toys with messages. A director with the company tracked one down at his Orinda office. "Applepie Ginger Cat" is expected to arrive this week.