HENRY COUNTY, Ky. — As Eminence, Kentucky parents Angela and Chad Johnson continue to grieve their son's death, they've decided to spend the holidays giving back to the community in his memory.
The family flipped their flooring store into a winter wonderland Saturday, welcoming more than 500 kids inside. The couple also made sure no kid left without picking out a free gift from their toy table, which they paid for out-of-pocket.
"[Volunteers] have already been out two different times to get more gifts," Wendell Johnson, Chase's grandfather, said.
"We're so happy to see all of these smiling faces," she said. "It's even more special this time of year."
This Christmas marks the second the Johnsons will spend without their son Chase.
The 25-year-old lost his life in an trucking accident in July 2022.
"They've struggled with [the loss] as most of the community has," Manda Gingrich, Angela's best friend, said. "I realize it's not about what we can do. It's about what [Angela and Chad] can do. And they can do this and know that Chase would absolutely get a kick out of it."
"We never thought we'd enjoy Christmas again," Angela Johnson said.
As the family continues to mourn the young life, they've learned to ease their loss by giving to others.
"Chase was always caring for somebody -- always," Angela said. "So when we were able to do that, we felt like we were carrying on what he would do."
Its not just a way to channel grief -- but keep a way to keep Chase's spirit alive.
"It's a special thing for us to see, still so many people remember Chase," Wendell Johnson said.
Angela Johnson said some who attended the event traveled from outside Henry County and out-of-state.
"I'm just so happy to see all these smiling faces. It absolutely brings the magic back," she said.
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