Struggling Parents With 12 Kids Sob As They're Surprised With Huge Family Van

Apr 10, 2021 by apost team

There is nothing more touching than seeing a person who is struggling receive the help they deserve. This past Christmas, a very deserving family, the Ashleys, had their prayers answered when an anonymous Secret Santa teamed up with the East Idaho News crew to give them $10,000 in furniture and a brand new 15-passenger van. 

Misty and Ben Ashley are parents to 12 children, ages 1 to 17, many of whom are adopted and living with special needs. On top of raising their kids, both parents work multiple jobs to provide and care for their family. Misty works nights and doesn’t arrive home until 1 a.m., while Ben wakes up at 4 a.m. for work and doesn’t return until late in the evening. Misty says about Ben, “He works his butt off all the time ... he is always working.” Both of these parents work so hard to support their large and loving family.

In the footage provided by the news team below, the newscaster says, “They are the best parents according to everyone we have talked to.” You can see the father, Ben, crying throughout the video. Apparently, there was no way for everyone to travel together in one vehicle — until this wonderful gift.

The whole family quickly heads outside, in the snow and without jackets, to go see the huge new van. At this point, both parents are sobbing and the family is rushing to get in and see the van. As they are crying, you can hear both parents saying, “Oh my gosh, thank you so much.” 

The kids seem happy and thrilled about the new van, as they all climb into the back seats with smiles on their faces. On the way back inside the house, one of the kids calls out, “Hey dad! Let’s take that one (pointing to the old van) back to the junkyard!” Everyone laughs in agreement and with joy for the new replacement van, which is sure to make their lives easier.  The Ashley family seems like a fun and lighthearted group of people.

The gift card to Ashley Home Store is to buy new couches and beds to ensure everyone has a place to sleep in their home. The new van replaces an older one that was found in a junkyard and has been broken down in the Ashleys' driveway for a few months. The anonymous donor who contacted East Idaho News has given over $500,000 in gifts to struggling families.

The Ashleys stand out as a large family in a time when fewer and fewer children are being born every year, especially when considering the average household has less than three people according to the 2020 US Census. Ben and Misty are not afraid to go against the status quo and make great sacrifices to raise an incredible family.

According to the National Adoption Center, there are over 134,000 children with special needs waiting to find their permanent homes. The Ashley family is working together to make positive changes in the lives of struggling children. They are filling a serious need and are well-deserving of this generosity.

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After East Idaho News first posted the video on their site, many commenters showed up to share their reactions to the heartwarming story. One commenter said, “My heart is so full watching this beautiful family react to the generosity of Secret Santa-- tears of joy! Merry Christmas!” This is a story that connects and is able to reach people emotionally. 

Another commenter shared their feelings saying, “God Bless this family. Also, God Bless the secret Santa for helping out people.” It is a gift in itself to see joy be brought to others.

Other commenters agreed that this couldn’t have happened to a better family sharing, “Giving back to people that have given so much of themselves. To see the joy and gratitude of these very special people....they deserve this and more for opening their hearts and home for children in need!!! May God Bless the person that made this possible for this family.” There is something very moving about seeing a generous gift be so well received by those who need it. 

These parents of 12 children couldn’t have been more surprised or touched to receive a brand new van and $10,000 worth of furniture. In the footage shot by a local news crew, you can see them breakdown crying in gratitude and surprise as they accept such a generous gift. 

The Ashleys are a hardworking family that have adopted many children with special needs and provide them with a safe and loving home. Their struggles were lifted — at least momentarily — by the generous actions of an anonymous Secret Santa.

What was your reaction to this video? What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Let us know, and be sure to send this to your loved ones as well!