Man Gives Unsuspecting Families In Florida Christmas Cheer By Paying Their Utility Bills

Dec 25, 2019 by apost team

With Christmas only a few days away, it is important to remember that the littlest things make for the biggest difference during the holiday season. People often associate happy Christmas memories with loads of presents under the tree, but for the less fortunate, happiness can come in the form of peace of mind.

Mike Esmond of Gulf Breeze, Florida, knows first-hand how the simplest of things can bring joy during the Christmas season. Mike told WEAR-TV that back in 1983 he was struggling to pay his utilities bill, so much so that the city shut off his heat and power. Mike and his family, including his three little girls, struggled during the holiday season that year, which was the coldest Christmas day on record.

As time went by, Mike pulled himself up. The veteran and father of three became a successful businessman upon starting Gulf Breeze Pools and Spas in 1985. Mike became so successful that he decided that he would do what he could to help those in need.

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Traveling to Gulf Breeze City Hall, Mike asked for the names of every resident with past due utility bills and paid off the entire sum. Mike helped 36 families and paid about $4,600 to the city. Those who were helped by Mike got a special card in the mail saying that their past due bill was paid.

As news of Mike’s generosity spread, news outlets picked up the story. Speaking with ABC News, Mike said that he hopes that his actions inspire others to help the less fortunate. Mike added that he is glad that people will be able to focus on the joy of the season and not worry about paying their bills.

Angela Cascio is one of the people that Mike helped with their utility bills, reports the Pensacola News Journal. A mother of four, Angela says that her family’s Christmas would have suffered if it were not for Mike. Saying that the pool contractor is an angel, Angela made a special ornament for Mike depicting the Nativity to express her gratitude.

Joanne Oliver, the utility billing supervisor for Gulf Breeze, told ABC News that in her 20 years of customer service work, she has never seen such a remarkable display of generosity. Mike says that he is already planning how he can help the residents of Gulf Breeze next Christmas, hoping to do something similarly impactful.

What do you think of Mike’s act of generosity in paying off the past due utility bills of 36 families in Gulf Breeze, Florida?