Christmas arrives early with life-changing gifts for single mother in Miami-Dade

Former NFL player Warrick Dunn takes mission of spreading holiday cheer to another level

Full Screen
1 / 13

Copyright 2023 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

Warrick Dunn and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami help a single mother in Miami-Dade County.

MIAMI – After walking into her new home on Tuesday in Miami-Dade County, a single mother dropped to her knees and said, “Thank you, Jesus. Oh God, you have been so good to me!”

Warrick De’Mon Dunn was there to help her stand back up. She had yet to see the love that volunteers had put into the house built by the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami.

Recommended Videos



Dunn grew up Catholic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 18 years old when his single mother, Betty Smothers, was killed while working in law enforcement.

“I am giving out my mom’s dream to other single-parent families,” Dunn said after touring the house with the single mother who works as a teacher.

There was a decorated white Christmas tree with wrapped gifts underneath. Every room was like a dream come true, she said.

The bedrooms for her and her son, and the living and dining rooms had the touch of an interior decorator.

The kitchen was full of food and there were new appliances. There were flat-screen televisions, headphones, a tablet, and a gaming system. There was even a home office with a computer, printer, and a guest bed for two.

After the grateful beneficiary held up a $5,000 check, the down payment for the house, she said, “I know that God has truly blessed me.”

Are you involved in a mission to help spread holiday cheer this month? Share the details with Share@Local10.com

Local 10 community


About the Authors

Joseph Ojo joined Local 10 in April 2021. Born and raised in New York City, he previously worked in Buffalo, North Dakota, Fort Myers and Baltimore.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

Recommended Videos