A cold Miller Lite inside my signature stainless steel koozie was clutched in my hand. Next to me sat Katie. We were at the concrete bar on the outside deck at hucapoos. Enjoying the warm southern winter with a clear sky dotted with stars overhead. JT, who was tending bar, asked us if we were aware of the family Hucapoos has adopted for Christmas. I was, but Katie had not heard about it yet.

Just a few hours earlier, it was posted on a Facebook group that a family in need had been brought to their attention. A single mom with four children that fled from the hands of an abuser. Starting over in a new city. They were recently living in a church and now have secured housing, but own nothing. The detailed list of needs included everything from household items, bedding, clothing and appliances. Things we all take for granted each day. As I shared this information with my friend, we both had tears puddle in the corners of our eyes.

Without saying anything more, I knew we shared the same thoughts. Filled with compassion for this family, and so many others in similar situations came to mind. But also… how blessed we are to be living in such a place that will embrace those in need and pour love and blessings on them. A community that will rally together and make a difference for those in need, and not just merely talk about it.

A week has passed since that night, and in that time everyone has stepped up to the occasion. The list of clothing and household needs have been checked off, wrapping parties have commenced complete with ribbons and bows.

Now, we all wait for Christmas eve. That is when a social worker will be taking this family out to dinner and immediately an army of loving people will transform their home with decorations, furnishings, clothing in their closets, new bicycles assembled for each of them, and food placed in their refrigerator and cupboards. Then vanish before the family arrives home.

A few nights ago during the annual Hucapoos customer Christmas party, details of the plan were laid out by Eric, the owner. He talked about how much we all miss our Susan and how she was always filled with Christmas spirit. This will be an ongoing tradition for the Hucapoos Crew to carry on loving and giving as Susie did.

I couldn’t be more proud to live in this place. We have a saying here…”We move to Tybee because of the beach, but we stay because of the people.”