The Story of Monroe Co Christmas

 

For us, Monroe Co Christmas began with quiet hearts and an empty house.

​

In 2019, as new empty nesters celebrating Hanukkah without our kids at home, the holidays felt different. There was a little sadness, a little extra time, and just a little bit left over — but we knew exactly what to do with it. We felt a nudge from God to give back.

​

We shared the idea with family, and soon, our brother and sister-in-law, and their kids were all in. Together, on December 10, 2019, Monroe Co Christmas was born. By December 14, shopping had begun. By December 21, nominations were closed. That first year, we sponsored four families and wrapped 124 gifts — each one filled with joy, prayer, and memories that will last forever.

​

Then came COVID, and like so many others, we hit pause for a season. But by 2023, we felt the Lord calling us to revive it — not as a moment, but as a mission and a fixture of Monroe County.

​

We often describe ourselves as two brothers and two sisters-in-laws who love each other, love the Lord, and love our neighbors. With our families — and the help of many incredible residents across Monroe County — each year we come together to create something extraordinary: a community-wide Christmas outreach rooted in faith and compassion.

​

Our mission is simple, and it comes straight from Scripture:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

​

From Genesis to Revelation, God calls us to love our neighbors and lift one another up — and that’s exactly what we strive to do.

Through our website and Facebook page, Monroe Co Christmas accepts nominations and donations — both financial gifts and items through our Amazon Wishlist. Donations & nominations both can be made anonymously, and every contribution helps us bless more families. We start with the greatest needs and stretch every dollar, including our own, to reach as many households as possible.

 

In 2023, we sponsored 20 families, wrapped 151 gifts, and delivered 190 cookies to first responders, healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and hospital patients — a night that blessed us beyond measure.

In 2024, we continued the same mission, adding a community scavenger hunt that brought smiles to every corner of the county.

And in 2024, by God’s grace, we gave away nearly 500 gifts, 328 cookies, countless laughs, many tears, and miles of joy — blessing 21 families in just 13 hours, with 7 tired little servants and one unforgettable day that left us forever grateful to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

​

We live by His Word, remembering:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” – 1 Peter 4:10–11
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3–4

 

That’s the heart of Monroe Co Christmas — just ordinary people, filled with extraordinary love, serving a God who never stops giving.

 

🎁 Monroe Co Christmas: Loving Our Neighbors, Sharing His Light, and Making Christmas Brighter for Monroe County.