After single dad's house is firebombed, community rallies to help

(WJBK) - What a difference a week can make.

Last Wednesday a single dad and his daughter lost their home and belongings after it went up in flames

But after the tragic story aired on Fox 2 Metro Detroiters pulled together to make sure Matthew Rittenberry and Arianna did not miss out on Christmas

Rittenberry was stunned when he opened the door early Friday morning to find Mojo in the Morning crew members from Channel 955 and other community members with Christmas cheer.

"I thought it was the wrong house because no one comes here this early," he said.

A local radio crew teamed up to deliver some good cheer early Friday morning after Matt and Arianna's presents were destroyed in the fire

"Honestly it wasn't even us seeing it on Fox 2," said Joey Namou, Mojo in the Morning show. "It was everyone who saw it on Fox 2 and was emailing us 'Mojo, you've got to do this.'"

"I thought Mojo could help," said Gina Ciaramitato. "I heard about his breaking and entering Christmas and thought of them. And it all worked out."

And as the presents kept piling up for this father and his little girl, the joy kept spreading

"Really happy," said Matthew's daughter Arianna.

"It doesn't look like it’s going to be a struggle for the next three weeks," said Matthew.

Rittenberry and his daughter is staying with his mom in St. Clair Shores, also got a surprise from Lowe's to help replace the tools he lost in the fire.

"It was heartwarming to see that we could really help someone out," Lee Carter of Lowe's.

Some say they hope the spirit of giving continues this holiday.

"I encourage everyone to pay it forward this season and help everyone out," Ciaramitato said.