/ FOX21: file photo
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Christmas came early this year for thousands of less fortunate families in southern Colorado who celebrated the holiday Tuesday during 'The Best Christmas Ever' at Mr. Biggs.
Thanks to an outpouring of community support, their holidays will be a little bit brighter this year.
"This is Colorado Springs at its finest," Steve Bigari, Founder of America's Family, said. "It's everybody doing what they do, everybody bringing what they got."
More than 8,000 people in need and 2,000 volunteers poured into Mr. Biggs throughout the day.
"Kids, moms and dads, they're gonna get some play time at Mr. Biggs," Lyn Harwell, Chief Operations Officer of Springs Rescue Mission, said. "They're going to be picking up Christmas gifts, bicycles, turkeys, food boxes, all kind of goodies to take home for the holidays."
Volunteers said it's nice to be able to give families a little boost this time of year.
"It's just a great day of celebration and love, and just loving people," Harwell said.
And a boost is exactly what one family got, when they found out they'd be getting a car.
"It's very needed. It's very unexpected and it's a blessing," Jeannetta Somerville, recipient of the car, said.
The car was donated by Phil Long Dealership, and the Somerville family was selected to get the car after careful consideration.
"They understand the value of education, first," Bigari said. "Second, their car broke down. Mom cuts hair for a living, single mom cuts hair for a living, works her tail off. Finally their car breaks down. They came today on their bikes, they came to the event today on their bikes. So we couldn't think of a more deserving family."
Bigari said they are launching a new program, and next year they hope to be able to give away even more cars.
"I'm so grateful, me and my kids are all grateful, and we're so happy today," Somerville said. "I don't even know what to do."
In addition to the car the Somerville family received $200 in gas and a pizza party.