A mother who lost her 9-year-old to a drunk driver got a big surprise from her Polk County community.

What You Need To Know

  • Alexayra Padilla lost her 9-year-old daughter to a drunk driver

  • She won this year's “Kitchen for Christmas Giveaway” contest

  • Local companies worked together to build out a plan to remodel her kitchen

I met with Alexayra Padilla after I learned she would be this year’s Kitchen for Christmas Giveaway recipient, but before she found out the good news, she shared her story with me.

“It was the day before my birthday when he hit us. He dies instantly - I still have a long list of injuries.”

Padilla said she moved to Florida with her two daughters for a fresh start.

Things were going well and then the unexpected happened – a man who police later reported was drunk, hit Padilla’s car with her two daughters inside as they were driving home from Epcot.  

“I was in a coma after the accident because of the intense head injuries.” said Padilla. “It was really hard, thinking my daughter is ok, but in reality, she’s really in a freezer.”

Padilla’s family first told her that both daughters had survived the crash, but later, they had to tell her the truth – her 9-year-old daughter passed away from her injuries before she made it to the hospital.  

“I spent almost a week in the recovery center thinking that my daughter’s were ok. They were hurt, but ok. On April 3, they told me Meeka didn’t make it,” said Padilla. “I have pictures of the day of the accident. Literally, this is the last picture that I took with her the day of the accident.”

As Padilla was explaining her heartbreak, dozens of people were piling into her front yard. When she caught a view of the crowd she opened her door to find that Tim Willimnasof the Kitchen for Christmas Giveaway and a crew of people were outside.

“We’ve come to tell you that you’ve won!”

Tears streamed down Padialla’s face as Williams listed all of the local companess that worked together to build out a plan to remodel her home. An amount that’s estimated to cost over $30,000.

 

“I can’t believe it,” said Padilla. “Thank you so much.”

Contractors evaluated her home that day to prep for repairs which I’m told will be complete before Spring 2022.

“We have a contract for $33,000 that’s been paid for for these people right here,” said Williams. “We want to also do something special for your daughter. Include a memory of her in the remodel.”

Every Year Williams and his team choose a Polk County family or person in need to gift with a home remodel, focusing on the kitchen and sometimes even the entire home.

Padilla told me it feels good to live in a community where people look out for one another, adding that this is what makes Polk County one of the best places to live.