Lindsay's Christmas Angels spreading cheer and help to families

PAXTON, Ill. (WAND) - Melissa Heideman knows what it's like to be a single mother during the holiday season.

"It's hard enough just going to work and putting gas in the car and food on the table. Much less now, all of the sudden, you're trying to get Christmas gifts, too" she says, as she digs through bags and bins of hot wheels, Barbies, and Pokémon t-shirts.

Melissa wanted to help and give back to others who know feeling just as well as she does.

"We had a bunch of toys. I talked to my husband about it, and we had the idea of just handing it out to people in need."

This is now Melissa's fifth year running Lindsay's Christmas Angels, an organization helping families by relieving the financial burdens of every day life. The holidays drive in more expenses, and Melissa and the volunteers want to help those who might be struggling.

But, you might be asking, who is Lindsay?

"She was probably one of the best people that you ever would meet. Lindsay was my childhood best friend" shares Melissa. "She was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer. They gave her 12 months and she fought for four years. And she was the one that I always talked to about this."

Lindsay grew up with Melissa, and right before passing, helped bring this idea to life.

Melissa felt it was only fair to name the organization in honor of Lindsay, and her hope for life.

"Even in the worst of times, she still always had a smile on her face. And was there for everybody. So we carry on that hope."

Lindsay's heart for caring towards everyone around her is what inspires the organization every Christmas season. Though it can't help erase financial stress, it can be a Christmas miracle for families under stress.

"Some of it may be brand new and some of it may not. Still, it's something they don't have to worry about."

If you want to donate to Lindsay's Christmas Angels this holiday season, click here.