HOUSTON, Texas – For nine years, KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer and the Spencer Solves It team have specialized in fulfilling the Christmas dreams of local children in need.
This week marks Bill Spencer’s ‘Christmas Miracles’ Week on KPRC 2, during which Bill and his team are transforming Christmas for five different families who couldn’t afford to give their children anything this year.
Father raising children alone
In the small town of Brookshire, within the confines of a modest trailer home, Jesse Martinez is preparing dinner for his four young children. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly cut tomatoes and warm tortillas.
Jesse, a devoted father, is doing his best to maintain a sense of normalcy for his children: two-year-old Aliyah, six-year-old Noah, seven-year-old Jesse Jr., and eight-year-old Ava.
The Martinez children, however, carry a heavy burden.
They are still mourning the loss of their mother, Christina, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose.
Unbeknownst to her, the oxycodone she purchased was laced with fentanyl, a deadly substance. Jesse discovered her lifeless body in their living room, a moment that continues to haunt him.
“I tried everything,” Jesse recalls. “I loved her so much. She was my everything.”
The loss has been devastating for Jesse, both emotionally and financially.
With Christina gone, he struggles to make ends meet, juggling part-time jobs while caring for his children. His parents, though supportive, face their own health challenges, making it difficult to provide consistent help.
As Christmas approaches, the Martinez family faces the harsh reality that they cannot afford gifts.
Jesse’s mother, Irma, shares the children’s poignant wish: “If you can’t give us presents, then ask God to bring our mommy back.”
In the spirit of the season, the Spencer Solves It team, in collaboration with Academy Sports and Outdoors and Christmas Angel Laura Alexis, decided to bring some holiday cheer to the Martinez family. The team surprised the children with brand-new bicycles, a first for Jesse’s kids, who could hardly contain their excitement.
In addition to the bikes, the family received a $1,000 gift card from Academy and a $1,500 donation from Innovative Lasers of Houston, ensuring that the Martinez children would have a memorable Christmas.
Jesse, overwhelmed with gratitude, expressed his thanks: “It’s a blessing from God. Thank you, Bill, Laura, and everyone at Channel 2 News. It’s amazing!”
Do you need help this holiday season?
We know there are 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.
