Jacksonville Salvation Army, First Alert Weather Team surprise Middleburg family for Christmas

Christmas is still five days away, but on Thursday, it came early for one Middleburg family.

The Salvation Army and Action News Jax's First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh and The First Alert Weather Team worked together to make sure they have a very special holiday.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole was there as the family received a Christmas surprise they won't soon forget.

On Thursday afternoon, Amy Owen received a surprise on her doorstep.

The mother of four got a visit from some of Santa’s Elves.

“I’m extremely surprised!” Owen exclaimed.

First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh, and First Alert Meteorologists Garrett Bedenbaugh and Corey Simma and our friends from The Salvation Army teamed up for The Angel Tree program.

The Angel Tree Program provides gifts for children whose families have financial hardship.

The program was started 36 years ago by Lts. Charles and Shirley White.

“They’ve just really been there when I needed someone to help me. Really amazing,” said Owen.

Owen told me her family lost everything in Hurricane Irma last year.

“I had to evacuate and I didn’t know how I was going to do that with 4 kids,” Owen told Action News Jax.

Now she has a full-time job and a new roof over her head.

“I’ve also had some health issues, too. They’ve really helped reach out for outlets for me,” said Owen.

The Salvation Army says it's not too late to donate. Fundraisers like the red kettle go to help families throughout our area.

The generosity of people in the community is the reason their tree is now overflowing with gifts.

Now the question is when will they get to open them?

Owen’s 11-year-old said he plans to try to get into some of them as soon as today!

One thing's for sure, while receiving the gifts was exciting, the family said it was the act of kindness itself that meant the most.

“It felt warming to just see everyone come in here and be so happy and generous,” said Alyssa Owen, Amy’s oldest daughter.

"Thank you. To you guys thank you very, very much. I don’t know if I would be here it wasn’t for the Salvation Army, friends and family and people from my church,” said Owen.

Cox Media Group