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Unable to afford a Christmas tree or presents for her sons, an Edmonton mom reached out for help online, hoping strangers could help make her family’s holiday special. But instead of asking for expensive presents, she asked for a more heartfelt gift – Christmas cards.

Georgette Popoff posted a request on an anonymous local Facebook group.

A plea from a #yeg mom wanting to make sure her boys don't miss out on #Christmas. pic.twitter.com/BWVJkzVsMU — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016

“I asked people if they wouldn’t mind to give up their coffee for a day, purchase a stamp and send my boys a Christmas card.” Tweet This

She refuses to accept any presents or donations, all she’s taking is cards.

“Nobody sends Christmas cards anymore. It’s email, it’s a phone call. You don’t get anything in the mail except for bills anymore. So it’s been fantastic getting Christmas cards in the mail.”

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The Deacon brothers, 12-year-old Brody and 10-year-old Dylan, love mail.

The Deacon brothers are using sticky-tack to make sure their precious cards are properly displayed in the living room. #yeg #Christmas pic.twitter.com/oIGmG5bmaG — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016

“We couldn’t afford as much as other people could,” Dylan remembered his mom telling him a few weeks ago. “We’re not going to get presents but we’re going to get cards.” Tweet This

The response to Popoff’s post was better than anything she ever expected. Day after day, cards continued to arrive in the family’s mailbox. As of Monday night, they received about 225 Christmas cards.

Each one lit up the faces of the Deacon brothers.

“They come home from the mailbox and they get so excited,” Popoff explained.

The boys even got a few special cards from the @GlobalEdmonton team. #yeg pic.twitter.com/lBpnieOQDG — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016

“I get one every day almost. I’m going to have these whole walls filled by the time Christmas is over,” Brody said, gesturing around the family’s living room. Tweet This

“These cards are bright, colourful. If I’m having a bad day, they cheer me up because they have really nice writing and people say a lot of nice things,” Dylan said.

Here's Dylan and Brody, taking turns reading their latest #Christmas cards to each other. #yeg pic.twitter.com/mhKvOEsAp7 — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016

Cards have come from across Canada and the United States. Some are even delivered in person.

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“This is from us to you and your family,” one generous stranger told them. “We just wanted to say Merry Christmas. We know it’s not much, but – here’s a hug from all of us.”

This generous stranger and her coworkers dropped off a special Christmas surprise for the Deacon brothers and their mom. #yeg pic.twitter.com/ow9oTPiVW7 — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016

The experience has helped teach the brothers the true meaning of Christmas.

“Christmas cards are more about emotional stuff and presents are more about physical things,” Dylan explained. Tweet This

The boys are hoping to be able to send thank-you notes back to anyone who left a return address.

If you would like to send the boys a card, here’s their mailing information:

Brody & Dylan

13858-37 Street

Edmonton, AB

T5Y 3G4

Brody and Dylan have received about 225 Christmas cards in lieu of presents this year. It's been tough financially for their mom. #yeg pic.twitter.com/o5KKunNs3O — Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) December 20, 2016