Families in need get gifts through Project Christmas [Video]

A team of family, friends and volunteers in Windsor-Essex spent Sunday morning giving their best impression of Santa’s workshop to help 33 local families.

Project Christmas provides gifts for nominated families in the region through the support of donors.

Christina Delmedico, a co-creator of Project Christmas, also known as Mrs. Claus, said their efforts began years ago, with one family in need.

“The program grows year over year, and it has completely changed the meaning of Christmas for me,” Delmedico said.

On Sunday morning, Delmedico and the team wrapped gifts for the 33 families selected this year.

Project Christmas receives hundreds of nominations for families and selects those who are determined to be most in need. Delmedico then calls the selected families to inform them of the decision.

“There’s a lot of tears,” she said.

“It’s so impactful to feel the strength between two strangers come together, and they’re just so humbled and they’re so grateful, and …