CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — They’re the staples of Christmas: lights, music and the presents under the tree.

“We kind of tried to make it as close as possible to what they wished for,” said Noah Hutchins, the creator of Licensed to Eat.

What You Need To Know

  • This Christmas weekend, 21 families (70 people total) were hosted at the Holiday Inn Express

  • All of them are currently living in Salvation Army shelters

  • The experience leaves an impact on everyone involved

The people putting up decorations aren’t doing it for their own homes though. They're bringing some cheer to rooms at the Holiday Inn Express.

Christmas might be known as 'the most wonderful time of the year,’ but for people going through hardships, it might not be so easy to be cheerful.

This Christmas weekend, 21 families (70 people total) will be hosted at the hotel. All of them are currently living in Salvation Army shelters.

Behind the effort is Noah Hutchins, 21.

“I was fortunate enough to be able to do all the stuff that I loved to do, growing up having support and stuff like that," he explained. "Having the opportunity to really give back to the community is always something that I enjoy doing.”

He runs Licensed to Eat, which helps the community year-round.

This is his second year hosting Operation Bless Your Food.

“We're really blessed to do this stuff," Hutchins said. "When you have the opportunity to be able to do it, why not do it? Like yes, we can be at the house by ourselves and getting gifts for everyone else, but we don't need it.”

It’s a growing operation. Fifty volunteers spent the last week shopping, wrapping and setting up for the moment when guests start to arrive.

Among those families are the Pagan-Santiagos.

José Santiago went through two spinal operations this year and the family is struggling.

“Holy smokes," said one of the four kids as they entered their room. "Oh my goodness!”

This moment means the world.

“Santa came! Cool," exclaimed one of the kids.

It's a joy that’s worth more than anything money could buy, and enough to bring tears to your eyes.

“It was breathtaking,” José said. “I was so emotional and they're so just- Seeing their happiness is just amazing.”

"And they're playing and they're happy," added Karla Pagan.

As gifts were torn into, it’s a reminder that this togetherness and happiness is the true meaning of Christmas.

“These are the best," exclaimed one of the kids, looking at her present. "You got the one that you always wanted!”

“Oh my goodness, this is this is number one for me,” Santiago said, with tears in his eyes, when asked where this Christmas ranks. “This is number one, because seeing their happiness and they're so thankful, it's number one. Seriously.”

While this blessing might feel like a Christmas miracle, it’s the goodwill of good people that made it all come true.

“[You] OK mom?” asked one of the kids.

“I’m OK, Papi,” replied Pagan.

“You sad?” questioned the child.

"No, we’re not sad, we’re happy,” Santiago replied.

The experience leaves an impact on everyone involved.

“[I'm] just humbled and blessed to be able to do this,” Hutchins said.

“This is the best day ever,” said one of the kids.

"Best day ever," responded Santiago.

Families stay at the hotel through the morning of December 26.

The whole operation is funded through a GoFundMe, and sponsors including The Patel family from GoldenTree Asset Management, Paula’s Donuts, Bocce's Pizza, Kabob and Curry, Goodness Project, 716 Nutrition, Home Run Refreshment Services and Take Out Taxi.

If you’d like to get involved with Licensed to Eat, you can contact Hutchins on social media.