Lorena Acevedo and her husband Jesus Montero have seven children – Ariel, Carlos, Elvis, Lorena, Ashley, Michelle and Marvin – ranging in ages from one to twelve years. That makes Christmastime and gift-buying a year-round and busy affair. Last year, the couple decided to get a jump on the holidays and buy their children’s Christmas gifts early. Once purchased, the presents were hidden in the family’s home so the kids wouldn’t find them.

Sadly, just before Christmas, their house was burglarized; the thieves made off with many of their belongings and most of the kids’ gifts.

“This was heartbreaking and an enormous financial hardship for Lorena and Jesus,” said Donna Pacella, Development Director for Boys Town Nevada. “They simply couldn’t afford to replace the gifts they had so diligently saved for and picked out for their children.”

Lorena and Jesus were crestfallen that their kids wouldn’t have the joyful family celebration they had planned. But after a few days, they resolved to find a way to save Christmas and not let the burglary define their family’s holiday season.

That’s when they reached out to the Boys Town Nevada Care Coordination Services program. There, they found compassionate professionals who could identify helpful community resources and services.

Lorena met with a Boys Town Consultant who worked with her to reach out to others in the community for holiday assistance. She contacted the local police station and was told her family would receive a full holiday dinner. Next, a local recreation center provided toys to replace the gifts that had been stolen.

When the children’s school heard about the family’s dilemma, staff members donated shoes and more toys.

In addition, Boys Town gave Lorena and Jesus a Wal-Mart gift card that allowed them to buy what they needed for their family’s holiday celebration.

“Lorena and Jesus were so surprised and very thankful for all the assistance,” Pacella said. “It was more than they had ever imagined.”

Thanks to two parents’ perseverance and Boys Town Nevada’s support, what could have been a holiday spoiled by Grinches turned into one filled with joy and shining examples of the goodwill of others.