CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WLS) — In a heartwarming gesture, a family in the south suburbs experienced an unexpected Christmas celebration this past Sunday, despite it being January.

Amidst various health struggles and personal challenges, the family found themselves at the center of a thoughtful initiative by Calumet City leaders, who were determined to bring the joy of the holidays to them, albeit a bit later than usual.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Although Christmas Day had long passed, the spirit of generosity lingered in Calumet City, driven by local leaders who continued to spread cheer.

“Growing up, my mother and I didn’t have much during Christmas,” shared Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones, reflecting on his own childhood.

For Ada Britton, last year’s Christmas took a significant turn. She suddenly became the primary caregiver for her three young grandchildren, aged 8, 6, and 2, after her daughter—the children’s aunt—was unexpectedly hospitalized and placed on life support during the holiday season.

“They were saying I had fluid on my heart and fluid in my lungs,” said LaToya Taylor, the aunt of the children. “I had to be intubated and I was in a coma for a day and a half.”

Fortunately, Britton’s daughter just returned home and is out of the hospital. However, she was not able to provide a Christmas for her three grandchildren this year.

“My grandbabies were like ‘grandma I didn’t get what I wanted for Christmas,’ and I said ‘maybe Santa Claus forgot.’ I said ‘maybe for your birthday you’ll get it,’” Britton said.

That all changed Sunday, because Santa made a post-Christmas surprise stop in Calumet City.

Feeling deep compassion for Britton, Mayor Jones and his team purchased gifts for Britton and her family, including toys and electronics, very generous Christmas in January.

The kids wasted no time getting into the gifts under the tree, while the mayor surprised Ada with a gift out of his own pocket.

“We have an additional surprise for her too. And I know she is going to cry about this but we have $2,000 cash and a thousand dollars in gift certificates for you,” Mayor Jones said. “So we want to make sure you guys enjoy Christmas and you enjoy the holidays. We know it’s after Christmas but this is going to go a long way to help your family.”

“This is so amazing,” Britton said. “Thank you so much. I want to thank you and Calumet City because since I’ve been out here I’ve felt so humbled.”

ABC7 notes that Mayor Jones and Calumet City are being sued by a former employee over allegations of extortion.

The former director of the city’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency claims the mayor asked him to make monthly payments in order to keep his job, then illegally fired him.

Mayor Jones’ attorney had released a statement last week, saying in part “Mayor Jones is disappointed to read these false allegations. he anticipates the quick dismissal of this frivolous lawsuit in court.”