She is a divorced single Mom who says she is familiar with what it feels like to struggle.
So Lara Shovlin made it her mission to make sure other Moms and Dads don't have to have it so hard at Holiday time.
"So many parents have told us that they would not have had a Christmas without us... I am thankful for that."
We met with Lara inside the old Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township where in the presence of history, she talked about how she hopes to change the history for families in the community on hard times with her new non profit organization Helping Hands.
"We just want to provide a relief at Christmas and that includes the presents, stocking stuffers, gift wrap, baskets of food, and winter wear and anything else we can donate we'll pass along to the families."
Lara calls it giving with dignity.
Helping Hands collects donated items and monetary gifts from generous people, organizations and service groups and turns it into a one day shopping event at Shepard's Gate Church, where moms and dads can come purchase Holiday gifts for a drastically reduced cost.
"So they get a lot and they get to feel like they are part of the process... not a charity case." Says Lara.
Gifts go for 1$-5$ during the event and parents get to browse like any other store.
In the 2 years Helping Hands has been around, it has already helped 3-thousand kids have a holiday that they would not have been able to without the organization.
Lara says her only regret is not seeing all their little faces when they open the gifts... but she does know how this little face is impacted by her organization.
So, for giving a helping hand while leaving recipients with their head high Lara Shovlin you are our person of the week.
