'Hero' Kids Save Siblings, Parents, Christmas: Patch Kids 2017

Kids are always doing things. Sometimes they do things that make us laugh and sometimes they do things that make us cry. Sometimes we shout, others we utter a collective sigh. But these kiddos — many hailed heroes — did things that make us proud.

It was an interesting year for kids, and perhaps nothing better encapsulates as such more than their phone calls to police. They saved Christmas from the holiday's No. 1 nemesis, saved neighbors from burning homes, and even saved their own parents when they wouldn't awake.

Here are some of the best stories from across the nationwide Patch network:

Kids Call The Cops

5-Year-Old Saves Christmas From The Grinch

This kid watched a full suite of "Grinch" Christmas and, fearing the fuzzy green villain would steal his Christmas, called 911 to report him. Initially he hung up a few times, but eventually he told a dispatcher what Mr. Grinch was up to. What happened next was delightful.

'He's Leaking Blood': Hero Wisconsin Boy Saves Dad With Dramatic 911 Call (Listen)

This 10-year-old was honored for his quick-thinking after his dad fell off a ladder while installing a basketball hoop. The nervous boy called 911 and was credited with helping save his father's life, who suffered significant injuries.

Danbury Boy Saves Baby Sister's Life Through 911 Call: LISTEN

When this boy's one-month-old baby sister stopped breathing, this 9-year-old stepped up and relayed instructions from a 911 dispatcher to his mother. With his help, the family discovered the baby was choking.

3-Year-Old's 911 Call Saves Mom's Life In Brick: Police

When this toddler couldn't wake up her mom, she used her mother's phone to call 911. Authorities kept her on the line and traced the call. But that's not the whole story.

Wayne Family's Swift Actions Saved Neighbors' Lives After House Caught Fire

This 11-year-old was credited with saving four people and a pooch when the girl noticed her neighbors' rear deck was consumed in flames and alertly awoke her 17-year-old sister, who called 911.

Police: Son Calls Police After Finding Drugs In Dad's Suitcase

This 11-year-old boy was lauded for his courage to call 911 after finding an estimated $8,500 in dangerous heroin and fentanyl.

These kids, while not necessarily calling the police, also received recognition for their good deeds. And we thought they deserved to make the list too.

Other Do-Gooders:

Alexandria Eagle Scout Honored For Heroic Beach Rescue

This Eagle Scout was in the water and noticed an 11-year-old boy being pulled into the rip current. When he saw the victim go underwater and come up shouting "help," he swam to him.

Napa Teen Cycles Calif. Coast To Honor Fallen Peace Officers

This 15-year-old rode his bicycle the length of the California coastline — nearly 1,000 miles — to honor police officers killed in the line of duty. He got to meet with several fallen officers' families during his 18-day journey.

Detroit Catholic Central Kid Makes Big Impression On Volunteerism

This 15-year-old turned heads with his massive volunteer efforts to combat homelessness in and around Detroit. Since beginning that effort, he has recruited about 3,500 others — mostly kids — to volunteer.

McLean Boys Raise Awareness About Young Caregivers

These boys, ages 12 and 14, for two years were caregivers for their grandmother with Alzheimer's. That commitment meant giving up a lot of free time. They'd do homework by their grandmother's side and get up in the middle of the night to calm her. Now they're advocating for schools to offer support to the other estimated 1.4 million children caregivers.

Lead photo of TyLon Pittman and Byram Police Officer Lauren Develle by TeDera Dwayne Graves II, used with permission