Christmas of 2020 we were all forced to celebrate the holidays separated from our families with fear that there would not be an opportunity to spend another Christmas together. We were ok with the idea of social isolation because that allowed us to be able to see our family and friends in person, even if it meant we couldn't yet hug them. What better idea then to gather our loved ones in the backy
ard in July and celebrate the Christmas we were stolen. The day was full of love, laughter, and hope. As the summer came to an end, I was disappointed to have to retreat to my home of isolation while once again the cases of COVID climbed. This time was different though because more people were dying in our community. Instead of watching it on the news, we had front row seats. As Christmas soon approached us again and I couldn't help but to think of all the houses I drove by with families that were inside knowing that they would have one less person around the tree along with a struggle to afford or obtain the presents and food because they were now on their own to provide for the house. This was when I started my journey to find a way to help these families. Christmas in July has since become an annual event which continues to be full of love and laughter. I have also been lucky to be surrounded and supported by family and friends that have given to help these families so they can hold onto hope that things will get better.
