As the warm summer nights gave way to cool autumn evenings, Yvonne Smith knew she couldn't let her two children sleep in her car any longer.

"I was sitting on the side of the road on my last bit of gas and not knowing where we were going to go," said Smith.She began her search for a place for the three of them to rest their heads when she found Family Promise of Carbon County."I called and Natalie (Bojko, executive director) was heading out the door but she waited for us," Smith said.Smith drove her 6-year-old daughter and 7-year-old special needs son to the Third Street office where she started her 90-day program to get back on her feet.Three months later and just in time to celebrate Christmas morning Smith packed a U-Haul and moved her brood into their own place Thursday afternoon."It's been awhile since we've had a home. This is the first Christmas in a home together, and I'm going to go all out and cook all day, just do what normal people do."Smith says she plans to plant herself in front of the stove to make ham, yams, mashed potatoes and tamales."I haven't been able to cook in awhile," she said. "We will even make cookies for Santa."As 2016 comes to a close, Family Promise has helped over 20 families find homes and it's not stopping there. According to Bojko two more families will move into their own homes before the start of 2017."Everyone has a history and where does it leave them if you let it define them," Bojko said. "They deserve the opportunity to start over."Through the donations of the community this year, the nonprofit will be able to provide gifts for 73 children in the county up from 65 in 2015."It's the time of year when we really recognize and appreciate what we have. We realize there are people that don't have what we do and people want to help," she said.The organization collected wish lists written by children to be sent to the North Pole. Community members then took to the shops to find everything from Hot Wheels, to Light Sabers and Legos, while also donating gas cards and everyday items for families in need this holiday season.St. Matthew's Willing Workers group dropped off a large box of toiletries and holiday cards Thursday, adding to the growing collection that has taken over the Executive Director's office."It's the season of giving," said Melissa Wagner of the 12-woman group.Family Promise volunteer Edith Trafka has been lending a hand since March. The retired educator said it gives her the chance to play adoptive grandma to the kids in the program."I'm overwhelmed by the generosity here. It's outstanding," Trafka, a former teacher, said.According to Trafka, both attic and basement of the Lehighton location are filled with donations including hats, gloves, socks and coats to help keep families warm this winter."I've never experienced anything like this," Trafka said.As emotion filled Smith's voice she thanked the staff of the organization saying, "Family Promise took a big burden off us. The community really cares."There's no words to even express the gratefulness I have. It's really a good program if you let them help you," she said."There are no quick fixes, but you're not alone. You don't have to carry it on your own, they want to help you succeed."Anyone wishing to volunteer, donate funds or gas cards may contact Bojko at

FPCCDirector@gmail.com or visit the site

www.familypromisecarboncounty.org to use the PayPal option.