With a mug of steaming tea, she walks towards the front window, her heart heavy with grief. She didn't have it in her to hang Christmas decorations this year. As she peers out at the frozen winter wonderland, something unexpected catches her eye: candy canes lining the walkway, a large box filled with gifts on the porch and at the center sits a delicate angel statue, its wings outstretched. Tears spring to her eyes. For the first time since her loss, she feels remembered. She feels loved.
This is the work of Christmas Commandos, a nonprofit that has been bringing holiday light to grieving families since 1998 through the magical, anonymous delivery of special gifts during the Christmas season. What began as one mother’s mission has grown into a network spanning multiple states and touching thousands of lives.
The story started in South Bend, Indiana, when the youngest of four daughters was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer. During this time, the daughter’s mom (who later became known as the Chief Commando) met many families at the hospital—some whose children survived and some who didn’t. The mom’s heart broke for all the families. She wanted to help.
Reflecting on the first Christmas without their loved one, the Chief Commando came up with an idea to show love to the grieving families. She and her husband, with the help of friends, created a little North Pole in their basement, wrapping gifts that they’d purchased. On Christmas Eve, the group slipped into the night, anonymously decorating lawns and arranging the presents on the doorsteps of five grieving families.
After the first year, word spread about the magic that had occurred, and the tradition grew. In 2018, the mission expanded to Colorado. What began in one basement has since served more than 3,000 families across multiple states.
Today, teams in Indiana, Colorado and beyond deliver packages to families experiencing an out-of-order loss: when life doesn’t follow the expected rhythm, like a child dying before a parent or a spouse passing too soon. “The first Christmas after a loss is the hardest,” said the current Chief Commando. “Everyone else is celebrating, and you just feel the absence. That’s where we come in.”
Nominations come in through word of mouth or on their website, where community members can submit a recipient family. A Commandos team member connects with the nominator who provides details about the family—names, ages, favorite colors, hobbies and even pets. “We want to know what makes their heart sing—whether it’s basketball, dance or art—so that on Christmas morning, the gifts feel personal,” the Chief Commando said.
Each family receives gifts tailored to them, along with a bundle of traditions: a cozy blanket, a Believe ornament, a book, a funny game and the angel statue. The angel is especially meaningful. “I think the most cherished item is the angel,” one recipient reflected. “It shows that an angel is looking over us all the time.” Families keep them for years as physical reminders that their loved one is not forgotten.
Behind the scenes, the volunteer angels are busy in preparation mode. Volunteer shoppers take their assigned lists and search for the perfect presents.
In early December, volunteers gather for wrapping night. The scene is one of joyful chaos: long tables piled high with rolls of red and green paper, ribbons curling under scissors and tape disappearing as fast as volunteers can grab it. Laughter echoes as strangers bond over bows and gift tags. By the end of the night, the wrapping space is stacked with boxes, each labeled for a specific family.
Then comes delivery. Once reserved for Christmas Eve, Commandos now spread the joy any evening during the week of Christmas. Caravans of cars and small U-Hauls fan out across neighborhoods. Volunteers in Santa hats slip through the night, unloading boxes of gifts and stringing sparkling garland. They move quickly before retreating into the shadows.
For volunteers, the impact is profound. One volunteer described the drop-off experience. “It’s both humbling and emotional. A reminder of how powerful small acts of kindness can be. Driving away, our hearts feel full knowing we were part of something that offered comfort, hope, and a little Christmas magic when it's needed most!” The current Chief Commando added, “Many who once received help now return as Commandos themselves, ensuring the cycle of care continues.”
That care recently caught the attention of Broomfield’s Guys Who Give, a community-based philanthropic organization that donates funds quarterly to a Broomfield-based charity. After hearing a member’s heartfelt pitch about Christmas Commandos, members selected the organization to receive their donations. Their contributions will go towards purchasing the gifts that brighten the Christmas season.
In 2023, the founding Chief Commando officially passed the torch to her youngest daughter, who now leads with the same compassion her mother instilled in her. While the pandemic years changed logistics, the mission is thriving and expanding across several states.
At its core, Christmas Commandos is about neighbors helping neighbors, and love delivered quietly in the night. “Being part of this mission has stayed with us and continues to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas—showing up with love, kindness and hope when people need it most,” shared a volunteer.
“I am who I am because of the Christmas Commandos,” said the current Executive Director and Chief Commando. “The selflessness I learned through this mission of anonymity and love shaped me. My sisters and I believe in it so deeply that we know—it won’t just stay here. It will go everywhere.”
And with every angel placed on a grieving family’s porch, that promise shines a little brighter.
Christmas Commandos is about neighbors helping neighbors, and love delivered quietly in the night.