Verona Mother’s Christmas Palooza Changes Lives For Local Families

In Verona, Virginia, a mother’s determination to help others has transformed the holidays for dozens of families. Robbin Johnson, a stay-at-home mom, created Christmas Palooza to ensure that children in need wake up to presents under the tree, a mission close to her heart.

“As a mother, I know what it’s like to struggle,” Johnson said. “I just wanted to help families who needed it.” Over the past two years, her efforts have grown, and this Christmas, she helped 31 families through donations and community support.

With support from the Verona community, one mother will be able to help dozens of families make Christmas a special day this year. https://t.co/SMJeAOULpm

— 29News – Charlottesville (@29NewsWVIR) December 22, 2024

Her daughter, Angel, has been inspired by the project’s success. “She didn’t expect it to grow this much,” Angel said. “It’s incredible to see how many people she’s been able to help.”

With support from their church and pastor, Melinda Gartzke, Johnson was able to reach even more families this year. “It’s amazing what one person can do,” Gartzke said. “These families had to focus on necessities, and gifts weren’t even possible without this program.”

Donations from the community made Christmas Palooza a success, providing not just gifts but also joy and hope during the holiday season.

Johnson plans to continue and expand the initiative, ensuring that even more children have something to smile about on Christmas morning. “It feels good to see the impact we’ve made,” she said.