They escaped abuse at the hands of the people they loved.
Sunday, dozens of moms and their kids give thanks at a special holiday dinner at Chuck E. Cheese's in Henderson.
Joanne Gonzales and her kids escaped an abusive relationship.
They've been with the women's shelter, Shade Tree , since then.
"If it wasn't for them I have nowhere to go. If it wast for them to help me out I would have nowhere to be but there," says Gonzales.
12-year-old Jolon Sander says, "I'm just happy to be around kids my age and be able to get out and play."
They ate, played, and received gifts.
The event was made possible through the help of a local non-profit Sponsor Moms and Sponsor Dads. One of its board members, Steve Schorr, tells 13 Action News, "When you watch their faces when they win the tickets and prized and will get presents later on. I think that tells the entire story"
This is the second year Sponsor Moms and Sponsor Dads partnered with a local organization to bring smile to children's faces.
They plan on doing it for more years to come.
"Those young people who might not have a very happy holiday, this is really the idea that we have. To really spark that holiday and give them a smile," Schorr.
