VIDOR, Texas — A Vidor family is turning their grief into giving by handing out Christmas presents to Southeast Texas families.
In 2022 Sherry Lynn Britt lost her 14-year-old son John (Johnny) Castilaw III in a wreck.
This year she's filling the hole of losing Johnny by doing what he loved most, volunteering and giving back to his community.
"Well my son was here for a reason. And this may be the reason," said Britt.
Over the weekend, the Johnny C. Foundation hosted their first annual car show and toy drive.
"It's a foundation that we started in his honor, to give back to the local kids in the community that are less fortunate. It's to keep his name alive and attached to something positive," said Britt.
The foundation partnered with other nonprofits to distribute the toys to needy families.
"Clothing, shoes, jackets, outfits for 55 kids in need... and a bag of toys to go with it," Britt said.
Johnny could be seen all around. From his love of cars and passion for driving around in his uncle's Ford Maverick, to his love for Christmas. The charity is a bright spot in the darkness left by his loss.
"It was all a fog we kind of, we were together but... it wasn't the usual show like it usually is. It was just a fog," said Britt.
This year the entire family plans to remember Johnny's Christmas spirit.
"Everybody will get together and we'll play his favorite Christmas game was dirty Santa. So we're going to continue that tradition with him and just eat and remember him and talk about him," Britt said.
Reminisce on Johnny's twelfth Christmas when he got a virtual reality set.
"And he finally talked Ian into playing it with him. And Ian put the VR headset on and he jumped into the tree and made the tree fall over. And Johnny brought that up every chance he could get to pick on Ian," said Britt.
They advise others who are mourning during the holidays to take it day by day.
"And if you need time, take time. You can't go to everything, you can't make everything. But that's okay. And know that's okay. Take time for you," Britt said.
Mourning the loss of loved one during the holidays is never easy. The family wants you to know that your not alone.
"I hope that people always remember him. That's my hope," said Britt.
There are grieving resources available online: