Whitinsville Family's Christmas Saved By Fender Bender
MILFORD (CBS) - It is the season of giving. But that phrase never had more meaning to a Whitinsville family until a fender bender saved their Christmas.
Kim Kerswell is spending her first Christmas as a single mom. Money is tight and she didn't think she would be able to put anything under the tree for her kids 12-year-old Kaylee and 3-year-old Ryan.
"It's very hard because your kids depend on you," she said as Kaylee hugged her.
Those fears ended this weekend when Kim quite literally ran into Sherene Borr.
"For me she's like an angel," Kim told WBZ.
It all began in the parking lot outside the Panera Bread where Kim works. She accidentally rear ended Sherene's van. It couldn't have come at a worse time. Kim asked if they could work out a payment plan because she knew she didn't have the money to cover the cost of fixing the bumper.
"She asked me my situation and I told her I'm a single mom just trying to make ends meet," Kim said. "She started breaking down in tears."
For Sherene the exchange was "very emotional." "I grew up in a single parent household and things can get tough," she explained.
The two women exchanged information but Sherene couldn't stop thinking about Kim and her family.
Hours later, Kim got the text that would turn her tears of desperation into tears of joy. Sherene wrote, "there is a reason we met today, I have many friends lined up to make your family's Christmas."
As Sherene's family celebrates Hanukkah, she is also making sure Kim's family has a Merry Christmas. She and her friends have purchased toys and apartment supplies. They're also providing gift cards for food and gas.
"I just feel very blessed and want to give those things to other people," Sherene said.
In giving, the two moms have forged a friendship both believe will last beyond the holidays.
The only condition is a commitment to pay it forward.
"I know things are going to get better and when they do, my daughter and I and my son, we're going to help another family," Kim vows.
