Spreading much needed Holiday Cheer in Tucson.

This holiday season, the Sheraton Tucson Hotel family came together with a simple mission: to make the season brighter for a family in need. What started as an idea blossomed into a heartfelt initiative that left an indelible mark on all of us.

We reached out to the counselors at Tucson Unified School District, the largest school district in our city, to identify a family who could use some holiday assistance. Through their recommendation, we learned about a single mother and her three young children. These incredible kids are students at a local Elementary School, and despite their cheerful spirits, their family had been facing extraordinary challenges. They had recently transitioned out of homelessness into a small, unfurnished apartment, with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Upon receiving their story and a Santa list from their school counselor, we knew we had to act. Our team, supported by the hotel and TNB management, banded together to bring a little light into their lives.

A Team Effort to Meet Immediate Needs

One piece of information struck us deeply: the children were sleeping on the floor with just a blanket. Without hesitation, Pierre, our general manager, ordered four air mattresses along with new blankets, pillows, and pillowcases. These essentials were delivered a week ahead of schedule, ensuring the children could sleep comfortably while awaiting Christmas.

Delivering Holiday Joy

On December 20, the hotel kitchen prepared a full turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings. Our team—representing banquets, maintenance, the kitchen, accounting, and sales—delivered the meal alongside an array of surprises. We brought scooters for the kids, a 6-foot folding table with chairs, wrapped toys, clothing, shoes, jackets, and more. Together, we set up the hot meal on their brand-new table, turning a humble apartment into a space filled with warmth and cheer.

A Humbling Experience

It’s hard to put into words the emotions we felt as we saw the smiles on their faces and the gratitude in their eyes. For us, the opportunity to make a difference—even for just one family—was a profound reminder of the power of community, compassion, and teamwork.

This experience has strengthened our commitment to giving back, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. While we hope that our efforts brought joy to this family, they gave us a gift in return: the realization that together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness in our community.

To these incredible children, and their wonderful mom—thank you for allowing us to share in your holiday story. You’ve inspired us in more ways than you can imagine.

Here’s to making every season brighter for those around us.

Warm holiday wishes,
The Sheraton Tucson Hotel Team