When times get tough communities like Easter Idaho help each other out.

That’s why the Easter Idaho News Team worked with their “Secret Santas” to donate more than $1 million in gifts for those in need.

There was one gift recipient who was especially grateful.

Jen is a sixth-grade teacher and single mom to two sons and a daughter with whom she shares custody with her ex.

Her eighth-grade daughter Brylee fell ill and went to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center with pneumonia.

Unfortunately, Brylee got sicker over the next few days and it began to affect her kidneys.

Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah was able to determine that Brylee had vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the nose, throat, kidneys, lungs, and sinuses.

Jen had to take a leave of absence to care for her daughter, which resulted in a loss of income. Thankfully, Brylee is feeling better but she has a long road of recovery and surgeries ahead of her.

The Eastern Idaho News Team wanted to ease some of the difficulties that Jen and her family have had to experience.

They wanted to surprise her with a bunch of big gifts and went to her house to knock on her door.

The team, however, kept missing her and had to return a few times before they were able to ambush her.

The third try was a charm because she and her children were home.

Jen was pretty baffled and surprised as to why there wasn’t a camera crew at her home.

She was overwhelmed when they told her they were going to present her with some prizes.

Jen was presented with $2,000 in gas cards and $3,000 in grocery gift cards.

These would definitely help with a lot of the household expenses. Especially since Jen would be driving back and forth to the hospital.

“I’m heading there tomorrow, actually. She has one more procedure, then hopefully, we’ll only have to go down every month,” Jen said.

Jen’s eyes swelled with gratitude after being presented with the gift cards.

But that wasn’t all. They saved the best present for last. Jen gasped saying she was more than grateful for the gifts she had already received.

She was then handed a box and her son was surprised to find a check inside. That check was for almost $20,000.

It was $19,764 to be exact, which was exactly one year’s rent.

It had already been paid to her landlord in full. Without having to worry about paying the rent or food and gas, Jen could now focus solely on caring for her children.

Jen was brought to tears. She was completely astonished that these burdens were just instantly lifted.

The only thing Secret Santa and his elves asked for was a hug. Jen happily obliged.

“Secret Santa said he’s thinking about you guys, and he loves you, and he wanted to give you a really good Christmas,” Eaton said.

The presents were a great help but Jen was also really happy to know she was a part of a community that cared for her.

See how this wonderful surprise all unfolds in the video below!

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Source: East Idaho News, Mayo Clinic