It's a Christmas the Dalton family never anticipated--a bit of goodwill from people who were once complete strangers, making their holidays a bit brighter.

Vivian Bailey-Dalton, a recipient said, "You never feel that you'd be in a situation where you have to be the receiver. But it feels good to have someone out there that can do this."

It turns out that giving is helping another family to grieve. Robin Ritrovato-Nold and Paul Schneider's daughter Arica was brutally murdered nearly two years ago. The killer has never been caught. So to help them cope, they've started a fund to help others.

Ritrovato-Nold said, "I know it's something that Arica would want to do. When Arica was alive, if she had something, and a poor family didn't, she'd give it to them and go without."

Paul Schneider said, "It kind of keeps Arica alive in our hearts, you know."

The Dalton family is suffering from its own hardship this Christmas season. Vivian Dalton's husband is recovering from a stroke. But to take care of him, it meant leaving work, and subsequent uncertainty of how the family would celebrate their holiday.

So the Schneider's have decided, as part of their memorial fund for Arica, they'll play Santa for the Dalton family. They started a bit early by giving the youngest son Leroy a gift that will keep him and his heart warm all winter long.

Paul Schneider said, "When he opened that present, I saw Arica smile. She would definitely approve of what we're doing. She's up there saying that's my mom and dad."

Two families,joined together in hope -- that Leroy Dalton's father will fully recover from his stroke, and Arica Schneider's killer will soon be found.
Click here to learn more about the Arica Lynn Schneider Memorial Fund.