Viewers Pitch In To Brighten Christmas For Modesto Family Left Homeless After Fire
MODESTO (CBS13) - A Modesto father humbly asked for help after a house fire left his family homeless. After CBS13 told the man's story, viewers pitched in to save Christmas for him and his children.
For single father Mike Jackson, it is a real-life Christmas miracle.
With the help of strangers, Santa came early for Khole, 4, and her sister, Katlyn.
"They definitely will have a Christmas," said Mike. "It makes me want to cry."
"Merry Christmas," said Khole.
After watching the single father's plea to save Christmas for his children, community members opened their hearts and wallets to help the family who lost everything in a recent house fire.
Frankie Lopez is a firefighter who made the trip from the Lodi area to hand deliver something special for the family in need.
"It feels good that I put a smile on his face and put a smile on the kids' faces, and that's priceless," said Lopez.
The once-empty motel room where the family is forced to spend Christmas is quickly filling up with clothes and presents.
A Modesto police officer was one of the first to donate gift cards, and the girls headed straight for the toy aisle.
"They saw the toys in Walmart and went crazy because they've been away from all their toys," said Mike.
Mike is overwhelmed by the generosity. In less than 24 hours his holiday wish came true.
"It lifted my spirit back up again," said Mike. "It's a blessing of people's help."
One family even invited the Jacksons to their home for Christmas dinner.
