Each present Makayla Miller wraps will end up under more than a dozen Christmas trees across Newark. It’s made possible through donations to Miller’s nonprofit, the United We Stand Community Assistance Center. 

"It hurts to see them struggle and need the support but it’s also great to see them come in. It's like a weight’s been lifted off their shoulders," said Miller. 

Makayla and her husband Matt saw a need in their community after extra COVID benefits ran out and started the nonprofit a year earlier than planned. The goal is to personally connect those who need help with the options available. 

"As a care manager I saw a large gap between community and services, being able to get the things they need," said Miller. "It really drove me to this."

The presents are just one way they’re helping. When Matt, a mailman saw the old Newark hotel was closing, the Millers bought furniture from the rooms and helped a dozen more families. 

"Him being out on the streets interacting with businesses and community members has really made a difference," said Miller. "He knows what’s out there, what people are looking for."

Right now the Millers are meeting people and bringing donations where needed. But when the center fully opens next spring, they want it to be a spot where people can gather. 

"I want to set up support groups in here. Education, mental health, parenting education," said Miller. 

So far, the Millers helped hundreds of families across Newark and Wayne County. 

“We love the community. It’s helped us and so we just want to give back to that community that helped us," said Miller. 

They don’t plan on stopping in the new year.