For the ninth consecutive year, Bill Spencer and the Spencer Solves It team are delivering Christmas miracles to some of Houston’s neediest families. This year, their generosity has reached a hardworking single mother raising seven children on her own.
Inside a modest trailer home in Highlands, Texas, Kaitlin Sherrod’s children are busy decorating a Christmas tree. The seven siblings—Emberly (1½), her twin brother Easton, Haisley (5), Kylie (6), Aubrey (8), Brayden (11), and baby Kayson (5 months)—are full of smiles as they hang ornaments, their joy masking the adversity they’ve faced.
Kaitlin’s life has been anything but easy. Her first husband succumbed to drug addiction, and her second husband’s abuse forced her to seek safety for her children. Now, she’s a single mother working six days a week as a janitor at a chemical plant. Without a car, she faces daily challenges just to make ends meet.
“I come home exhausted,” Kaitlin shared, “and I don’t even see my kids because they’re sleeping. I’m up throughout the night with my five-month-old. I’m not sure how I’m doing it, but I have no choice.”
Bills consume most of her income, leaving little for anything extra—including Christmas gifts for her children. “I’m basically starting over because I’ve lost everything,” she said.
The Christmas Miracle arrives
That’s where Bill Spencer and his team come in. Partnering with Academy Sports + Outdoors and Laura Alexis of Innovative Lasers of Houston, the Spencer Solves It crew set out to make Christmas unforgettable for Kaitlin and her children.
The surprise began with a knock at the door. Bill’s team arrived carrying brand-new bicycles for each of the seven children. For kids who’d never owned bikes before, the moment was pure magic.
“I love it!” exclaimed eight-year-old Aubrey as she admired her new ride. “This is the best day of my life,” she beamed.
Six-year-old Kylie, who had never owned a bike before, could hardly contain her excitement. “It’s beautiful! Thank you for giving it to me,” she said, beaming with joy.
Haisley, age five, simply exclaimed, “Thank you!” as she embraced Bill with a big smile.
More than just bikes
The surprises didn’t stop there. Next came a $1,000 gift card to Academy Sports + Outdoors. Kaitlin’s reaction was one of shock and gratitude. “Oh, my goodness, thank you all so much,” she said, pulling her children close. “Wow.”
But the biggest surprise was still to come. Laura Alexis of Innovative Lasers of Houston presented Kaitlin with a $1,500 cash gift to purchase Christmas presents for her children. The emotion of the moment overwhelmed Kaitlin, who tearfully expressed her gratitude.
“I have no words,” she said, wiping away tears. “Thank you all so much. I can’t describe how grateful and blessed I am. This is going to make the best Christmas ever.”
A community’s generosity
The Spencer Solves It Christmas Miracles program is a testament to the power of community. With the support of local businesses and generous individuals, families like Kaitlin’s receive not only gifts but also hope and reassurance that they are not alone.
For Kaitlin and her seven children, this Christmas will be one to remember. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, their home is filled with the sounds of joy and laughter—a reminder that, even in difficult times, miracles can happen.
Do you need help this holiday season?
We know there is a lot of other people out there who need help. Bill and the team can’t help everyone. Nonprofit and community organizations are stepping up to help families in need with toy drives, food assistance, utility relief, and more. Bill and the team compiled a list of groups offering critical support to make the holidays brighter for everyone.
Check out this list of 25+ places where you can go for help this holiday season.
