Inside a Tampa woman’s mission to spread Christmas in her community

APOLLO BEACH, Florida. – While Jack Guthrie was decorating his house for ChristmasTHE Tampa The resident couldn’t help but think of some of her Bay Area neighbors whose holiday season will look a lot different this year thanks to Hurricanes Helene And Milton.

“Instead of putting (my unused decorations) back in the rafters, I thought I’d create something I could give to people who lost everything and bring a little Christmas cheer,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie had the idea to start collecting residents’ unused Christmas decorations: artificial trees, lights, garlands, ornaments, tree skirts and other Christmas decorations. After posting his donation request on social media and the neighborhood app Nextdoor, Guthrie spent Dec. 1 going to people’s homes to collect items.

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“I can’t believe how many I’ve received so far. Everyone really participates and wants to help. And that’s a good thing. It’s a very good thing,” Guthrie said. “There are a lot of retirees who think their home was everything to them. So I think bringing a little something should help you feel a little better.“

Guthrie said his parents lived Apollo Beach and suffered significant damage to his home. She has friends and others staying with her “who have lost everything.”

Guthrie collects various decorations, trying to make sure that everyone, regardless of where their “home” currently is, can feel a small sense of normalcy this holiday season.

“I have trees of different sizes, so if you’re in a halfway house, you have small trees,” Guthrie said. “We have big trees if you’re back in your house.”

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Guthrie said giving Christmas decorations is one way to help members of his community who were hit particularly hard by hurricanes regain a sense of hope during the holidays.

“It’s not just for people who can’t afford a tree. It’s more of just an attempt to show a neighbor that, hey, we’ve got you,” Guthrie said . “To give you a little smile (and) a little surprise. Something to be happy at Christmas.”

Guthrie organized what she calls vacation “kits.”

The holiday kits that affected families will receive include a tree with matching lights and ornaments.

The plan is to continue collecting donations until Saturday, December 7.

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Guthrie said FOX 13 News she will be happy to coordinate pickups and will come to a person’s home to collect the donated items.

“Just a little thing to give to a neighbor that will give them a little comfort in tough times, that’s all,” Guthrie said.

If you’re looking to make a holiday donation or need a Christmas tree this year, Guthrie recommends emailing him at [email protected] or through the Nextdoor app.

Guthrie says she’s working out the details but plans to distribute the trees this Sunday, Dec. 8, so she’s looking for someone with a large open space.

“If anyone has a business, a parking lot, anywhere where we can distribute trees, it’s just for a good cause,” Guthrie told FOX 13 News.

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