Dozens of volunteers at Metropolitan Ministries helped to make Christmas a little brighter for dozens of families who call the center home.
Months before families even open their gifts, volunteers, with the help of Santa Claus, go shopping for each child living at Metropolitan Ministries. It's a lot of work, but volunteers say it's worth every hour.
"That's all it takes, and you forget all the hard work once you see the first little kid open up the gift," volunteer and donor Christine Gwilt said. "They get the one thing they really wanted, it's just wonderful
It's a blessing these parents never imagined this holiday season. Most living at Metropolitan Ministries are in crisis, and cannot afford to put presents under the tree.
Margorie Matos says the kindness and generosity she saw Christmas morning helped to make her son Xavier's first Christmas one to remember.
"I don't have it to give to him, so I'm really grateful and appreciative and blessed. If it wasn't for God, this place wouldn't exist," she said.
Santa's helpers packed the kitchen too. After presents, each family was treated to a home-cooked feast.
It's support and love these families need to get their New Years started off right.