My family knows first hand what a huge difference community can make when life is tough.
Last Christmas, I warned my children that things would be different. Christmas would be smaller than usual. At the time, they were going through so much that my statement barely registered. Celebrating was the last thing any of us wanted to do.
But then, at a Christmas party (which I thought was just a Sunday School gathering), Santa showed up… early… just for my crew! 
Santa handed out gift after gift after gift. Calling each child (and this Momma) by name as the gifts just kept coming from under the tree.
Clothes and shoes, school supplies, coats, toys…
In the end, our Christmas came with 10 times the normal gifts. But, it wasn’t the gifts themselves that made the difference. A million gifts couldn’t lift us from sadness to celebration. It was the love that made the difference, knowing an entire community stepped in for us. 
Hurting people hurt worse during the holiday season. But, simple things can make a huge difference and bring joy in the midst hard times. The holiday season is such a great time to step in and give back.
One great way to give back to the community is working with Habitat for Humanity. You can volunteer to help build a house for someone in need right here! Or, send a donation here!
It’s not just community who can step in to help families in need. Whirlpool helps support Habitat for Humanity through their Every day, care project and by supplying appliances for Habitat houses. Join Whirlpool on the mission to help famiies thrive, believing that simple acts of care given, day in and day out, have the power to change the world. Let’s help spread awaresness for the Whirlpool + Habitat for Humanity partnership by sharing simple acts of care via social media using the hashtag #EveryDayCare.
Maybe you personally know a family going through a rough patch. You can make a big difference even with small acts of kindness! Where will you show Every day, care this holiday season?
We always adopt a family through our church at Christmas. I hate to think of kids going without.
Love this reminder that Christmas isn’t about us..and that we can be such a huge blessing to those around us. This was such a sweet post to read and it brought a huge smile to my face!
Love seeing people get “loved on” by those around them.
What a great story and a great reminder of how we need to think of others during this time of the year. – Katy
What an incredible Santa! And an incredible story (and photos). Makes me want to do so much this holiday season.
We are paring down Christmas this year. I just don’t want all of the junk!
We have sponsored a family in the community in holidays past. We have been lucky to have help when we needed it as well. It’s always nice to give back.
Habitat for Humanity is such a great organization. We always help with our local food and toy drive.
Hugs to you! What a wonderful thing your community did. We always try to give back during the holidays and all year.
As the saying goes “it takes a village”. I completely understand what you are saying about the impact a community can have on families
I really like this a lot. I like to give to others during the holiday season.
So beautiful! You are right — hurting people do hurt more in the holidays. I am so glad that you were embraced this way. We have adopted a family in the past and this reminded me why we have. I hope this Christmas is blessed and beautiful!
🙂
Traci
What sweet photo’s. The kids faces are priceless. What a wonderful way to help those with less.
This is awesome! The holidays are such an important time to help others and show them that they’re not alone.
It’s so sweet that your community was there for you like that! It would be great to help people out like this by working with Habitat for Humanity.
That is so nice that they all came together to insure your kids had a bright Christmas. I wish more people did this for others. Your children look so happy and delighted.
That was so amazing I bet! Love that there is a company doing something for those in need of appliances!
I think it’s wonderful that you and your family were thought of when you needed it most. I think Habitat for Humanity is a great organization too.
Love this post. I love that this reminds us to help others during the holidays and it’s not about the gifts.