Christmas with 12:31
Unlike what you are typically used to seeing with traditional Christmas Wish type outreach programs, our Christmas with 12:31 initiative is centered around the individual, and unique, wants and needs of the families. We work with the families to identify any immediate needs they might have like household essentials, past due bills, food insecurity, clothing, and self-care, and then work with them to establish a Christmas list based on each family members individual wants and needs.
We want them to feel the magic of Christmas as they walk out to the living room Christmas morning, but we also want to ease their worry a little by making sure they have other basic needs covered like keeping a roof over their head, making sure the lights stay on, having a bed to sleep on, food in the fridge, and clothes and shoes.
Each year, we’re able to help local families not only have the same type of magical Christmas morning we’ve all seen in the movies, but we’re also able to provide them with the type of help and services that really have a chance to make an impact on a family and set them on a forward path again. Things like home repairs, car repairs, medical therapies and procedures, and counseling services. Things that actually dramatically improve their living situations and quality of life.
Each year, we were able to make a difference in these families lives that can’t be measured in dollar signs and decimal points, but rather in the outpouring of love and knowing that you have an entire community behind you.
“I just wanted to reach out and say Thank you to you and everyone involved in 12:31. The past 1.5 years has been full of heartache and major life changes for my boys and me. I was a bit hesitant when a friend reached out and told me that there were so many people in the community that wanted to help me and my boys. In the past I have always been the helper, and giver, so it was certainly different to be on the receiving end. I felt the kindness, love and generosity of the community as we opened presents yesterday. It brought me much joy and relief. My boys were happy and content, and we had a day of just enjoying our time together. I can't wait to pay it forward in the future when my financial circumstances improve. Thank you!”
— Christmas with 12:31 Family L
“I wanted to text and say how overwhelmingly happy we were Christmas Day. Y’all made this Christmas the most magical day for me and my family, and we are forever grateful and blessed. Walking downstairs to such a huge pile of presents for my daughter and brother was so amazing. Thank you so much Mike and thank you to your team of angels for everything y’all have done. It’s so amazing!!!”
— Christmas with 12:31 Family G
“I just wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible generosity of this organization. My children had probably the best Christmas they have ever had, gift-wise, and it was an experience that I would never have been able to provide. Without your help, there would have been empty stockings and disappointment for them, and shame and despair for me. It is never easy for me to ask for help, and I am so grateful for the kindness and dignity that you offer alongside the wonderful generosity. You were all absolute angels that provided a Christmas miracle. I am normally much better at expressing myself via written text, but words truly feel insignificant to express how grateful I am. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
— Christmas with 12:31 Family M
"My kids are so happy! It is like a dream for my kids to have these many toys. I hope that God blesses you because I know he was working thru you all. I can’t stop crying. I feel so blessed. "
— Christmas with 12:31 Family H
"Merry Christmas to you and your family Mike. My words alone cannot express the gratitude from our family. It’s been a rough year for us and though we’ve tried not to have the kids feel the stress and strain, it was inevitable. But you, and the 12:31 community, have brightened our lives in a capacity that I can’t even put into words. It’s not just about the gifts. It’s the selfless outpouring of genuine love, expecting nothing in return. You don’t see that much these days. My youngest son said this is the best Christmas ever.
Thank you for putting a smile on all our faces this holiday season. More importantly, thank you for being one of the best parts of our community and reminding everyone the true meaning of community, love and care. I can’t wait for the day that we can bless another angel family. Thanks again."
— Christmas with 12:31 Family K
“We got home late last night to see a pile of beautifully wrapped presents for my family. Seriously, we are beyond grateful and humbled for EVERYTHING you guys have done to support us. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. May you be blessed tenfold what you have given!”
— Christmas with 12:31 Family C