Compassion as a Family Tradition

Paul and Kathy Nicholas have been faithful supporters of Samaritas for many years, living out what it truly means to turn compassion into action.

When their daughter was just five years old, the Nicholas family visited the Wayne Family Center in Westland on Christmas Eve. They wanted her to see, firsthand, what generosity looks like and what it means to care for neighbors who are struggling.

They arrived with a few gifts and were given a tour of the shelter. When Paul guessed that only a handful of people might be staying there for the holiday, he was stunned to learn that 21 individuals were relying on the shelter that Christmas –  21 people who needed safety, warmth, and hope.

Paul shared that he “was shocked, it really hurt me. How am I so blessed, and there are people with no place to go for Christmas? I had to do more.”

Without hesitation, the family went back out to buy more gifts so every person would have something to open on Christmas morning. Paul also made a generous gift to help keep the shelter operating through the holidays and beyond.

That single night in 1999 became a turning point. Every Christmas since, the Nicholas family has chosen to forgo traditional presents and instead give the gift of compassion in action, making a family donation to support the Wayne Family Center and the people who find refuge there.

Stories like theirs move our mission forward. They remind us that real change happens when people show up in whatever ways they can, stand alongside neighbors in need, and choose to help us rise together.