TAMPA, Fla- — Single mom of four Tiara Kibby says she escaped a domestic violence situation but ran out of resources after arriving in Florida. “It has been really difficult," Tiara said, never imagining that her story would lead two strangers to adopt her along with four children for Christmas.
For the last seven years, Nancy Potwine and longtime friend Jennifer Cristiano-Levesque make a call for action in search of a family in need of help during the holidays. This year these two Christmas angels offered to cover the wish and need lists for Tiara and her children who range in age from 2 to 11 after hearing about their struggles.
Nancy, Jennifer and Jennifer’s two stepchildren shopped and wrapped for weeks. The week before Christmas they unloaded two carloads of toys, clothing, and household goods and laid all the gifts out at a Tampa Bay park.
A list full of needs and wants checked off and wrapped with care sat on picnic tables under a pavilion when the family arrived.
Kibby and her kids never expected the outpouring of generosity awaiting them.
From basketballs to jackets, shoes, and bikes Iona, Silas, Asher, and Josiah delighted in each gift.
“It is too cool Mommy," Josiah said after taking his new bike for a spin.
And these two Christmas angels covered Tiara's wish list as well supplying her with cookware, sheets, towels, and blankets; items that will help turn the family’s new apartment into a home. “I am amazed, honestly,” Tiara said.
For the givers, the joy that bubbles up from generosity never gets old.
Nancy made a commitment to adopt a different family each Christmas after she made a call for action 18 years ago. That story resulted in strangers helping the then single mom who was sick and struggling at the time. “Seeing the expression on their faces was worth every pain I had,” she said.
