Once a year in mid-December, the lobby of Momentum Transportation USA Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, resembles Christmas morning for one special family. The Landstar agency is decorated with tinsel, an 8-foot tree is enveloped in gifts and lights, and cookies are arranged across a platter.

For many families who go through Momentum’s doors that day in December, the event is not only magical but a relief. Thanks to its collaboration with Dreams Come True, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting First Coast children battling life- threatening medical conditions, these families can have a momentary reprieve from the stress and struggles of childhood illness. Given the cost and time required for recurring, lengthy hospital visits, holidays can be particularly challenging for those facing these difficult situations. Luckily, this year, one young girl and her family no longer have to worry about that.

Momentum employees banded together to fulfill the holiday wish lists of all five siblings in the family. The team donated over 30 gifts, with a stand-in “Santa” helping make the children’s holiday special and giving their parents one less thing to stress about. 

Mike Cobb, President and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum, understands the burden parents take on during this time. A former participant in Dreams Come True, his daughter underwent numerous heart surgeries while also suffering from scoliosis; at age 14, she was told she needed a double spinal fusion. Cobb recalls long hours in hospital waiting rooms, wondering if his daughter would be okay.

“A lot of what we do is for the kids, but it’s also for the parents,” Cobb said. “It takes a lot out of the entire family, and we want to give them time away from thinking about potential sicknesses or hospital visits. We want to give back. We’ve been in their shoes, and we know what it’s like.”

Now that his daughter is recovered and thriving in college, Cobb and his wife are passionate about helping other families through Dreams Come True. He also serves on the Gator Bowl committee, which sponsors 12 youths from Dreams Come True as members of the “Dream Team” who attend scouting events throughout Jacksonville.

Cobb’s passion for the Dreams Come True mission is shared by Brian Putzke, agent and Chief Executive Officer of Momentum. In fact, Putzke and Momentum are top donors to the nonprofit, sponsoring over six children each year to help fulfill their dreams. The company also donates 80 percent of its Vystar suite event space to Dreamers and their families for concerts and sporting events throughout the year.

Putzke has been involved with Dreams Come True for over ten years, helping fulfill wishes that have included trips to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Miami, Disney vacations, and Iceman hockey games for the nonprofit’s participating children.

Christmas is special, however, because the entire office participates. “Angel ornaments on the tree describe the wishes of the Dreams Come True participants and their siblings,” Cobb said. “Employees take them and fulfill them, putting presents in their place. Here at Momentum, we make Christmas happen for the entire family.”