Man Who Once Had His Gas Cut Off on Christmas Pays Utility Bills for 36 At-risk Families During Holidays

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During the holidays of 1983, Michael Esmond and his three daughters were forced to endure Christmas without heating or electricity in their home because they couldn’t afford to pay their utilities.

Today, the Florida-based Vietnam War veteran and business owner recalls that cold, bleak holiday season all too well. As such, he decided to do something wonderful for his local community; Esmond paid off utilities for a total of 36 families who were at risk of being without power for the holidays.

His good deed has gone viral, spreading the warmth of the Christmas spirit far and wide.

“Back in the ‘80s I actually lived that,” Esmond explained, speaking to WEAR-TV. “I experienced a time where I had trouble paying bills. And we actually had the gas disconnected. It happened to be one of the coldest winters in history.”

According to the New York Post, Esmond, 73, was prompted into his good deed by noticing the small print on one of his own December utilities bills. The letter came with a warning; supplies may be cut off if the outstanding amount was not paid off by Dec. 26, 2019.

“I wanted to do something that I felt would really help people at Christmas time who are trying to decide between paying bills and maybe having something cut off, or buying presents for their family,” Esmond told the Pensacola News Journal.

Esmond went to the City of Gulf Breeze and requested a list of all utility accounts that had surpassed their payment due date. The generous business owner then paid out a grand total of $4,600 to settle the accounts of 36 families who were at risk of losing power over Christmas, just as Esmond had so many years ago.

Instead of reminder letters from their utilities companies, the recipients of Esmond’s generosity each received a card from Esmond’s business, Gulf Breeze Pools & Spas.

“It is our honor and privilege to inform you that your past due utility bill has been paid by Gulf Breeze Pools & Spas,” the cards read, as per CNN. “You can rest earlier this holiday season knowing you have one less bill to pay.

“On behalf of Gulf Breeze Pools & Spas,” the cards signed off, “we here at the City of Gulf Breeze would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.”

Joanne Oliver, Gulf Breeze’s utility-billing supervisor, told WEAR-TV that in 20 years of working for the utility company, Esmond’s gesture was the first of its kind she had witnessed. “[It] made me cry,” she said. “For someone like him, a veteran, to come in and do some grand gesture ... it was heartfelt for me.”

“The community has been good to me,” Esmond explained, “and I’m trying to give back to the community.”

Mom of four Angela Cascio was one of the direct recipients of Esmond’s kindness. “Without [Gulf Breeze Pools] paying that bill, my kids’ Christmases would have greatly suffered,” Cascio told the Pensacola News Journal. “Angels absolutely walk among us, and they are the epitome of kindness and what ‘paying it forward’ means to me.

“My kids are old enough that they see their mom struggle to make ends meet,” Cascio continued. “They saw me burst into tears when I read the card that Gulf Breeze Pools sent to me. I am forever grateful.”

Esmond’s gesture changed the outlook of Christmas 2019 for a huge number of deserving people in his local community. There’s no time like the holidays when it comes to showing love, support, and community spirit to people in need.

“I can pay my bills but I’m certainly not somebody that’s rich,” Esmond reflected. “I’m hoping that I can send a message to other businessmen or people that are the same status as me that there are people out there that can be helped.

“You don’t have to be a millionaire to help people.”