This is a story about a community that takes pride in coming together. One where residents connect via networking groups, youth sports, running clubs, local bars, neighborhood groups and even social media.

On Dec. 7, 2018, Carolina Misle-Olivier posted on the Narcoossee News Network, a local Facebook group of more than 9,000 members. She reached out to the community in hopes that she could gather items to help a displaced family right before Christmas.

To all my local Lake Nona friends – I am helping a displaced family new to Orlando, a couple with a 6-year-old son. I’ve managed to get some things for their new apartment, but they are still in need of many things since they got here from overseas empty-handed.

If you are cleaning up and feel in the spirit of helping this season, the following items will be greatly appreciated:

Sofa / futon / living room furniture

Night tables

Platform base for a full mattress

Twin bed / bedding for a boy

Kitchen supplies – anything helps

Bedding for a full bed

Winter clothes for a 6-year-old boy

For whatever anyone can help with, I am deeply appreciative for your donations.

Happy Holidays 🎄

Shortly thereafter, and much to Misle-Olivier’s surprise, multiple offers of bedding, furniture, clothing, toys and anything else the family needed began coming in. One gentleman even offered the use of his truck to deliver a mattress from another neighbor. Some simply asked, “Where do we drop off?” Without having to know the who, what and why – strangers came together and made the holiday season a little better for this family.

Misle-Olivier would like to thank the community and let you all know she “was so touched by the immediate and warm response from the Lake Nona Community. The fact that this family, who left everything behind to take a shot at a whole new life, was able to get here straight into their almost fully-equipped home … their son received toys, books, clothing, a bed, etc. … it was a blessing and it was because you all pitched in! Thank you!”

Stories like this are what make our little section of southeast Orlando unique. I’m so proud of our community!

Sophia Rogers leads The Rogers Team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Family, relationships and real estate are her passions. She can be reached at sophia@nonahoodnews.com.