Natalie's Everyday Heroes: East Troy makes the season bright for families in need

EAST TROY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Eighty-seven families in East Troy had a merrier Christmas this year because of a program called "Holiday Help of East Troy."

One of the things that makes this program unique are the churches, businesses, volunteers and community members pooling their resources.

They're all working together to make the season bright.

Just before Christmas, the East Troy Family and Community Resource Center looked more like Santa's workshop.

Members of Santa's crew were working overtime to make Christmas wishes come true.

"It's hectic. It's a hectic time of year," said Marolyn Komperud.

Komperud is at the center of it all. She's the one making the list and checking it twice.

"Exactly. Yeah," she said with a laugh.

As the program director of the East Troy Family and Community Resource Center, she starts working on this in October.

"I work in two different software systems and about 10 different spreadsheets on a daily basis," she said of the organization it takes to get it done.

Toys, clothes, gift cards and other supplies. All donated to help 87 families and 205 kids in East Troy have a merry Christmas.

"It's the reason for the season. One of my favorite movies that came out is Christmas Chronicles, and there's a line in there that says something like, 'Everybody needs Christmas to realize how good they can be,'" Komperud.

Komperud helps the whole community realize that.

All of these presents used to be spread out all over town.

"Our Kiwanis Club would do things, Lions Club would do things, the food pantry would do things," she explained.

It took two years of planning, but Komperud coordinated it, so everyone works together.

"I really feel like this brings out the best in our community. Like, everybody wants to be involved, everybody wants to do good, everyone wants to pay it forward," she said.

Barb Jeffries has been volunteering for years.

"I think there's a need everywhere now, and East Troy is no different," said Jeffries, a retired educator.

What makes a difference are the people. The volunteers who are packing boxes and bags, and someone like Marolyn, to make the season bright.

"I grew up here. I've lived here my whole life. So just knowing that we take care of our community," Komperud said.

"She's always willing to help anyone with anything and she does this at Christmas, but she's working all year long," Jeffries said.

Families also got a $100 grocery gift card and a $50 gas card to help with a Christmas meal and travel. Families can start applying for holiday help in October. For more information, click here. 

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].