Salvation Army helps local family for Christmas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For the Villalobos family Christmas this year was out of the question. Three years ago Ori Villalobos was diagnosed with crohn's disease and lost her job as a result.
 
Her husband now works three jobs just to maintain their three kids and Villalobo's mom. But just when they thought things would start to get better, Mother Nature dealt them another blow.

"In June Hurricane Debbie blessed us with her presence and did a lot of destruction to my home and my mother's home" said Ori Villalobos.

The heavy rains flooded their home in Suwannee County and destroyed most of their belongings.

"My grandchildren were literally sleeping on the floor, whatever didn't get wet got filled with mildew" said Eva Villalobos.

Eventually they were able to relocate to Jacksonville. It was here where Eva Villalobos applied for assistance at the Salvation Army.
 
"A door will open and at this moment that door has been the Salvation Army" said Eva Villalobos.
 
The Villalobos family is one of this year's Angel Tree families and thanks to the generosity of a sponsor Ori Villalobos' three children will receive Christmas presents.
 
"There is generous people that have opened their arms to us" said Eva Villalobos.
 
Ori Villalobos is continuing to receive treatment for her crohn's disease which for now is under control. Through all the adversity her family has faced, she's relieved to still have each other.