The Ledger of Lakeland has kicked off its annual series of stories for its "Newspaper with a Heart" program.
The paper publishes stories about local residents in need and readers respond with hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations.
Two of the people featured this year are Brandon and Cassandra Rimes. Brandon was employed doing construction work for a faith-based housing agency, but then he severely broke his ankle in September while moving a mattress for his mother.
"And I just slipped and fell the wrong way," said Rimes.
Rimes' ankle was broken so severely he has to get around in a wheelchair at home and won't be able to work again until some time next year.
"All I could think about is what am I going to do now to support my family," said Rimes about the first thing that came to mind after the accident.
The Rimes weren't going to be able to pay their bills so they contacted Newspaper with a Heart. The program will pay for two mortgage payments and a car payment.
"It was just huge to know that when I get back to work my house will still be here," said Rimes.
"They did nothing wrong to get in these situations," Ledger metro editor Lynne Maddox about the people who are helped by the program.
The people who get the help are picked by agencies including The United Way. Many of them are facing financial difficulties due to health related issues.
Maddox is grateful that the people in need are willing to share their stories with the paper and for the generosity of readers.
"So exciting that people just care," she said. "They can see themselves falling into this sort of situation."
For Brandon Rimes, being on the receiving end of the holiday tradition has been a life changer.
"It may only sound like a couple of house payments and a car payment," he said. "But it's going to be enough for me to keep from losing my home. It means everything to me. So I am forever grateful for that."