>> it went from us sleeping in my car sometimes and trying to wash up in bathrooms of restaurants and things like that. and i'm sorry. >> five kids, right? >> i have five as a mother to see your child and say for christmas i don't have anything, didn't have a tree, i didn't have a living room but coming to operation cover chicago, they did not turn me away. >> reporter: now, year later, she's a member of his church and volunteering for the toy drive. >> what is it like for you to now get to help those families and see that joy >> i remember my kids when they didn't have and they were like oh, my god so, yeah for me, literally, it is priceless it is priceless. >> reporter: even during this holida scramble, hope springs eternal. savannahel srsle, nbc news, chicago. when we come back, one man's christmas mission, heart felt reason he goes so big for the holidays