In a heartwarming gesture, a family in Calumet City, Illinois, experienced an unexpected Christmas celebration this past Sunday, turning January into a festive season of joy.

This south suburban family has been navigating through significant health issues and other challenges. Recognizing their struggles, Calumet City leaders stepped in to ensure that despite the holiday being over, the spirit of giving lingered on.

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Mayor Thaddeus Jones, reflecting on his own past, shared, “My mother didn’t have a lot. We didn’t have a lot for Christmas,” highlighting his personal connection to the importance of supporting families in need during the holiday season.

The previous Christmas was notably difficult for Ada Britton, who suddenly found herself caring for her three young grandchildren, aged 8, 6, and 2. This situation arose when her daughter, the children’s aunt, was unexpectedly hospitalized and placed on life support due to severe health issues during the holidays.

LaToya Taylor, the children’s aunt, recounted her ordeal: “They were saying I had fluid on my heart and fluid in my lungs.” She added, “I had to be intubated and I was in a coma for a day and a half,” illuminating the dire circumstances that disrupted their Christmas celebrations.

“They were saying I had fluid on my heart and fluid in my lungs,” said LaToya Taylor, the aunt of the children. “I had to be intubated and I was in a coma for a day and a half.”

Fortunately, Britton’s daughter just returned home and is out of the hospital. However, she was not able to provide a Christmas for her three grandchildren this year.

“My grandbabies were like ‘grandma I didn’t get what I wanted for Christmas,’ and I said ‘maybe Santa Claus forgot.’ I said ‘maybe for your birthday you’ll get it,’” Britton said.

That all changed Sunday, because Santa made a post-Christmas surprise stop in Calumet City.

Feeling deep compassion for Britton, Mayor Jones and his team purchased gifts for Britton and her family, including toys and electronics, very generous Christmas in January.

The kids wasted no time getting into the gifts under the tree, while the mayor surprised Ada with a gift out of his own pocket.

“We have an additional surprise for her too. And I know she is going to cry about this but we have $2,000 cash and a thousand dollars in gift certificates for you,” Mayor Jones said. “So we want to make sure you guys enjoy Christmas and you enjoy the holidays. We know it’s after Christmas but this is going to go a long way to help your family.”

“This is so amazing,” Britton said. “Thank you so much. I want to thank you and Calumet City because since I’ve been out here I’ve felt so humbled.”

ABC7 notes that Mayor Jones and Calumet City are being sued by a former employee over allegations of extortion.

The former director of the city’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency claims the mayor asked him to make monthly payments in order to keep his job, then illegally fired him.

Mayor Jones’ attorney had released a statement last week, saying in part “Mayor Jones is disappointed to read these false allegations. he anticipates the quick dismissal of this frivolous lawsuit in court.”