The Joy of Giving: A Candlelight Ranch Christmas Story
December 18, 2024
This holiday season the spirit of giving came alive in ways that words can barely describe. For families who face daily struggles — financial burdens, health setbacks, and trauma — the holidays can be a time of overwhelming challenges. But this year, thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, board members, and community partners, Christmas became a season of magic, hope, and joy.
The warmth of the season began at our annual Holiday Party, where laughter filled the air and smiles stretched across the faces of children and parents alike. A special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and piles of gifts generously donated by Expeditors Austin. Little ones clutched their presents with wide-eyed excitement, their joy contagious to everyone around them. For families who visit the Ranch throughout the year, this moment has become a beloved tradition — one that reminds them they are cared for, seen, and loved.
Nearby, the Candlelight Shop at The Hideaway — a labor of love created by board member Stephanie Weber — stood ready to welcome our teens. Tables were lined with carefully chosen gifts: makeup sets, jewelry, cozy clothes, and games. Each teen stepped inside to pick something just for themselves, a rare treat for many. Watching them laugh, linger over choices, and leave with treasures in hand was a reminder of the power of dignity, choice, and joy. This simple gesture — a store filled with thoughtful gifts — spoke volumes: You matter. You are valued.
The magic of giving didn’t stop there. Two families, both filled with love and resilience, received the gift of a Christmas they will never forget. Our first family, a multigenerational household of 14, has been part of the Candlelight Ranch community for over a decade. At its heart is a grandmother — the steadfast glue that holds everyone together. Despite her declining health, her unwavering love and strength provide a foundation for the entire family. Beside her stands her daughter, a single mother whose determination knows no bounds. With tireless effort, she has earned her GED and is now pursuing a medical coding degree at Austin Community College, all while raising her children and caring for her extended family. Her perseverance inspires her daughters, young women who have faced significant challenges but are now building dreams of their own. Having graduated from high school, they are working hard to save for college and will soon be the first in their family to pursue higher education.
Their Christmas was made possible by the incredible generosity of the A+FCU Wealth Management Team, led by Aaron Persons, our past board president and current advisory council member. The gifts they received — mattresses for a good night’s sleep, crafting supplies, clothes, and simple comforts — were not just presents. They were symbols of hope, love, and encouragement for a family that has weathered so much and continues to move forward.
The second family, another multigenerational household, has also found strength and connection at Candlelight Ranch over the years. At its core is a devoted grandmother who shares her home with her daughter and grandchildren. Together, they face financial hardships, but their love and resilience shine through in everything they do. This Christmas, Jack and LuAnn Gilmore, one of the owners Jack Allen’s Kitchen & Salt Traders, brought joy and relief to this family through their heartfelt generosity. Longtime supporters of Candlelight Ranch, the Gilmores, have spent well over a decade championing our mission, reminding families that they are not alone.
When the gifts arrived, the reactions were nothing short of magical. Tears of joy mingled with laughter as children opened carefully chosen presents, mothers embraced the kindness extended to them, and grandmothers watched their families experience a moment of pure, heartfelt happiness. For these families, Christmas wasn’t just about gifts — it was about knowing they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them, cheering them on every step of the way.
For the grandmothers who hold their families together with love and grace, for the mothers striving for a better future, and for the teens reaching for dreams they once thought were out of reach, this generosity was transformative. It was a reminder that hope is alive, that kindness matters, and that miracles happen when people come together.
The joy of giving shines brightest when it brings people together, when it reminds us of the beauty of kindness. At Candlelight Ranch, we see this every day. It is in the laughter on the zip line, in the healing moments under the oak trees, and in the pure magic of a Christmas made possible by a caring community.
As we close this year, we reflect on the lives touched by your generosity. You are part of their story—the story of resilience, hope, and joy. Together, we can continue to create these moments, to bring light to families who need it most. This season, we invite you to share in the joy of giving. Your support changes lives, builds memories, and spreads hope.
Will you join us? Give today. Be part of the magic.
Your gift brings hope and healing to families who need it most.
From all of us at Candlelight Ranch, thank you for believing in the power of giving and for being part of our family.