Holiday cheer at Red Cross celebration

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Holiday cheer was in full swing for dozens of families who truly deserved it during the Red Cross' holiday celebration.

Helena Best was asleep at her East Falls home when it went up flames.

She and her grandchildren made it out alive.

It was the Red Cross who stepped in to help them.

"The Red Cross was there in the middle of the night. It was like a family was waiting for me, to welcome me, and help me," Best said.

Most of the families lost everything they own in a house fire.

So Tuesday night was about putting a smile back on their faces

"They lose their ability to believe there is something magical so what we do tonight is give them back the magic,"

PECO partnered with the Red Cross to throw a celebration at the Loews Hotel for those who had a rough year.

The party was full of dancing, good food, arts and crafts, games, and, of course, Santa.

For Helena Best, her favorite moment of the party was having the chance to thank the volunteers who were there for her when she needed it most.

"There was so much hope just seeing people really care," Best said.