Even when a global pandemic is not in full swing, December can be a financially stressful time for many American families. With the pressures of joining in traditions of gift giving and other forms of holiday celebration, it is not uncommon for tight pocketbooks to become even tighter during the end of the year.

Michael Esmond of Gulf Breeze, FL has found a way to ease some of the financial pressure felt by his community, and has played the role of Santa in a big way this holiday season. For the second year in a row, the 74 year old Vietnam veteran has paid off the past-due utility bills for local families, saving many from having their utilities disconnected during the Christmas season.

Esmond, who had his own utilities cut off in the winter of 1983 while raising three daughters, and when temperatures were well below freezing, said his first-hand experience with hard times as well as his current stable financial situation is what prompted him to perform such a significant act of kindness. In 2019, the local businessman who owns Gulf Breeze Pools and Spa gave $4,600 to help pay off delinquent utility bills for 36 local families, and this year, he was able to up his charitable giving to $7,615.40, providing much needed financial relief to 114 families in his community.

One reason he was able to help so many extra families this year was because many of their late fees were under $100, sharing with CNN this fact “that people can’t even afford to pay a $100 bill on their utilities” had a huge impact on him. Of his pool business he says “We’ve had a good year, and that’s why I want to share what I have with the people who need it,” something he was “almost ashamed” to admit in light of the financial struggles so many are facing right now.

Because of the unusual economic struggles of the times due to the COVID-19 shutdowns as well as the lasting impact of Hurricane Sally, which thrashed the Pensacola suburb in September, the Gulf Breeze utility department extended the grace period for over-due bills from 30 days to 60 days before residents would have their water, gas, and sewer services cut off. Billing supervisor Jennifer Oliver said Mr. Esmond’s donation directly impacted families both in the 60 and 30-day late periods.

Mr. Esmond is quick to make clear he is in no way wealthy, but gives based on what he can afford. His hope is that other, more well-off businesspeople in the community will follow his example and use their assets to help relieve the financial burdens of their neighbors, especially during these difficult and uncertain days of the COVID-19 era.

Of the generous act of kindness performed by Mr. Esmond, Jennifer Oliver said “Even though our country and our city is currently going through probably the most difficult years of some of our lifetimes, there are still people out there who are generous and kind and really do want to help others. To have others within the community wanting to reach out and help their neighbors, now is more important than ever.”