LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  Some Kentuckians spent Christmas giving their time to help others. One woman volunteered to connect with her sister this holiday season. 

As many families opened Santa’s presents under the tree, Virginia Rodgers spent her holiday morning helping others. She said she normally spends Christmas Day alone, so she wanted to get involved in the community. 

Rodgers’ late sister was a resident of Wayside Christian Mission, an organization that focuses on providing shelter, food and support services for those in need. The nonprofit helped her sister recover from a heroin addiction, she said. 

“[I am] very connected to the residents of Wayside because I have a lot of addiction issues in my family,” Rodgers said. 

It wasn't just Rodgers supporting Wayside residents, however. For about 10 years, Jerry Crawley has volunteered with the organization for Thanksgiving and Christmas. He said Christmas is about the gift of life and giving to one another. 

“Instead of a toy or something like that, it’s a time people need," he said. "Instead of trying to impress somebody with things, sometimes you just need to be present for people to share things."

For Rodgers, the idea of showing up was simple.

“I’ve got some wonderful helpers here helping me, and it is good to not be by myself on Christmas day," she said. 

Wayside Christian Mission accepts volunteers to help with services including light maintenance, tutoring, office assistance and groundskeeping.