Sheltered and loved this Christmas

In houses throughout the world, one might assume it was the children who spent Friday morning unwrapping gifts left for them under the Christmas tree.

But in a small house along Howell Road, it wasn't children who were smiling while unwrapping gifts. Instead, five women with no blood relation took turns showing each other what they received on Christmas through donations to the Jericho Road Ministries women's shelter.

While stories range from incidents dealing with drugs, alcohol violence or even homelessness, for the first time, all five of the women spent Christmas away from their families to instead be in a house with others like them - all working toward a new start in life following past mistakes.

Part of that growth included what occurred on Friday, when the women learned once again they not only have each other, but the support of some charitable community members.

While many of the gifts included clothes, shoes, jewelry or - one particular favorite, chocolate - others came straight from the heart of Hernando County residents.

One gift in particular was a book, "The Confident Woman," by Joyce Meyer. On the inside cover in each copy given to them was a letter from an anonymous donor who wrote about how she had overcome a bad experience of an abusive relationship and pulled herself together. She added that, like her, she knows they all have the strength to overcome their past.

Shelter resident Susan Hart said Friday's Christmas was her first time experiencing a holiday with four sisters - having grown up an only child.

She added that those who donated to the shelter likely don't know how much it means to them. The best gift received, she said, was the collection of gifts for the residents' children that were sent off to them in each of the women's name.

Hart said to know her children will receive gifts from her is a present unto itself, especially since it will let them know she's thinking of them.

As for the book, she said she'd treasure it since somebody took a lot of time and thought to give her and her fellow residents encouragement.

"It's just a blessing, it really is," Hart said. ""I hope I can be an encouragement to someone down the road."

Likewise at the men's shelter down the road, all 12 of the men spent the morning opening donated gifts while surrounded by their new family. All of the men are trying to get their life back after having lost everything.

For Matt Corelli, he said this Christmas is one of the first when he's been happy.

Recovering from a drug addiction, he said he's found acceptance among a group of men who share similar, yet much different, backgrounds.

And through that bond, they've all helped him become a better person. For this Christmas, he said, his family is actually proud of him.

"I lost all my family, and now I'm getting them back," Corelli said.

For shelter resident Jimmy McKittrick, he said Christmas at the shelter embodies the true sense of giving.

He said each of the residents not only has appreciated the donations from the community, but the act of helping each other.

Each of the residents also took part in helping to prepare Christmas dinner - an easier task with one chef and one cook who are residing at the shelter.

As for spending Christmas with his shelter mates, McKittrick said although newcomers might initially feel awkward about the idea, they generally warm up to it as they realize they're all in the same boat.

"These donations and this time together are part of what's helping these guys get their lives back," McKittrick said. "This is the true embodiment of gift giving."