With the pews packed, children felt the holiday cheer from inside Eastminster Presbyterian Church. 

It’s a spirit of giving that fills a room for those who’ve had an important part of their lives stolen.

“When my son was murdered, he was a student at Carnegie Mellon University, and he came home on Christmas break and was senselessly murdered,” said Adrienne Young, founder of the non-profit organization Tree of Hope. 

Young’s son, Javon Thompson, was killed, and one month later, his daughter, Tajaya Thompson, was born. That loss propelled Young to start her nonprofit. Now, for the last 26 years, she’s hosted a Christmas event for the children of parents lost to violence.

“It takes a whole village,” Young said. “And it does really take a whole village for these children that are being left behind.”

This annual event creates a moment of grace and giving with food and free toys.

“And we want to make sure that they have a good Christmas,” Young said.

During this year’s event, Tajaya Thompson received a gift from her dad.

“You know about your dad, but what you didn’t know was that he had $2,000 left in his bank account,” Young said. “Throughout the years, we spent way more than that. But we want to present you with the $2,000 that he had left in his account.”

For the Tree of Hope and Young, it’s about proving that when violence takes place, the community gives back. She’s truly shining a light in the darkest times for those who were forever changed by tragedy.

“We’ve had tragedy strike our family quite a few times. But each time, I say that there is something that we can do to make things better,” said Young.

Young said the nonprofit took off due to the help of Carnegie Mellon University and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Now, it continues with the help of state Senator Jay Costa and UPMC.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans should root for the Detroit Lions to knock off the Minnesota Vikings during their Christmas Day clash due to playoff implications.

If the Lions lose to the Vikings, that would cause the Green Bay Packers to clinch their postseason berth, which could have implications for their game against the Baltimore Ravens. Now, that would not be a slam dunk, as the Packers could still win the NFC North and have seeing to play for over the next few games, but it would lessen the urgency to their situation.

As such, it would be pertinent to at least root for the Lions to keep the pressure on the Lions. Meanwhile, Green Bay has some questions as quarterback heading into their Saturday game against the Ravens anyways.

Jordan Love was limited for two straight days while in the concussion protocol, and while things seem to be going in the right direction to play, he still needs to be given the green light to play. His backup, Malik Willis, did not practice yesterday with an illness and continues to battle through a right shoulder issue.

The Ravens may not have Lamar Jackson either, though, as Jackson has a ‘significant back contusion’ that has forced him to miss the first days or practice this week.

The Steelers clinch the AFC North divisional title with a Ravens loss to the Packers.