A True Story of a Deaf Founder, a Big Heart, and a Christmas Tradition

Some stories aren’t built in one day. They are built year after year—through small choices, repeated actions, and a heart that never gets tired of caring. That is exactly what the Cherlan Design Christmas homeless donation is: a true story of consistency, compassion, and a Deaf-led mission that started in 2006 and continues today.

Cheryll Atienza is the owner and founder of Cherlan Design, a hardworking graphic designer, and a proud Deaf woman who believes Deaf people can live with confidence, independence, and strength. But beyond the design work, Cheryll is known for something just as powerful: her dedication to helping people who are struggling—especially during Christmas.

For Cheryll, giving is not a trend. It is a tradition. It is a promise. And it is one of the most joyful parts of her life.

Why Cheryll Helps the Homeless Every Christmas

Christmas is a time when many families feel warmth, love, and togetherness. But for homeless individuals, this season can also feel cold, lonely, and painful. While the world celebrates, many people are simply trying to survive.

Cheryll noticed this years ago, and instead of turning away, she leaned in with compassion.

The real “why” behind her tradition goes back to one special influence in her life: her Aunt.

Cheryll looked up to her Aunt because she saw her Aunt donating to homeless people—bringing food and care with no judgment. That example planted a seed in Cheryll’s heart. It taught her a simple truth:

When you have the ability to help, you help.

That lesson stayed with Cheryll, and in 2006, she decided she would donate to homeless people every year at Christmas. No excuses. No waiting. Just action.

From One Person to a Team: How the Tradition Grew

At the beginning, Cheryll’s donation work was personal. She collected items and shared what she could. Over time, that giving spirit became a bigger mission—especially as her business, Cherlan Design, grew.

Cherlan Design is more than a creative brand. It represents community, empowerment, and the belief that Deaf people are capable leaders who can create change.

As Cheryll gained more experience and met more people through business, events, and community work, she realized she could also use her platform to invite others into the mission. Donations could grow. Volunteer support could grow. And the impact could reach more homeless individuals during Christmas.

Sharing the Experience with Miguel Acha: A Turning Point

Three years ago, Cheryll decided to invite Miguel Acha to join her Christmas homeless donation. She wanted him to see it—not just hear about it.

Sometimes, people don’t understand the meaning of helping until they experience it firsthand.

When Miguel joined, he felt something change inside. Seeing homeless people receive food, drinks, and gifts—seeing their eyes brighten, seeing their gratitude—touched his heart deeply. From that moment, Miguel wanted to help too.

This became another beautiful part of the story: Cheryll’s tradition started inspiring others to become part of the giving.

Martha V. Joins the Mission: A Growing Circle of Kindness

Last year, another special person joined the donation journey: Martha V.

When Martha joined Cheryll and Miguel, the experience became even more meaningful. It was not only about giving to homeless people—it was also about building a supportive team, sharing compassion together, and creating a positive memory that lasts beyond the holiday season.

Cheryll describes these moments as “amazing” and “enjoyable,” because giving together creates a strong bond. It reminds everyone that kindness is powerful—and that community is built through action.

What the Cherlan Design Team Gives to the Homeless

Cheryll and her volunteer team aim to give homeless individuals something that feels warm and human—something that says:

“You matter. You are not forgotten.”

The donations often include:

• Foods and meals to help them feel full and cared for

• Tim Hortons drinks (a small comfort that brings warmth in winter)

• Nice gifts that add joy and dignity

• Christmas spirit and kindness, which can be even more valuable than items

  
  

The goal is not to “save” anyone in one day. The goal is to offer respect, comfort, and real human care—especially during a season when loneliness can feel heavier.

Why This Work Makes Cheryll Smile, Joyful, and Happy

People sometimes ask, “Isn’t it emotionally hard to see homelessness?”

Yes—it can be. But Cheryll explains that the act of giving also creates a deep joy. Not because homelessness is easy to witness, but because kindness creates hope.

For Cheryll, the happiest moment is seeing homeless individuals smile.

A smile can be a sign of relief. A smile can be a sign of feeling seen. A smile can be proof that kindness still exists.

Cheryll also feels joyful because volunteers and donors join with genuine hearts. When people come together for a good purpose, it creates a feeling that is hard to describe—like warmth in the soul.

A Deaf Entrepreneur Who Empowers the Community Through Design

Cheryll works extremely hard as a graphic designer. She runs Cherlan Design with pride and professionalism, creating designs that help businesses grow, spread positive messages, and build strong branding.

As a Deaf founder, Cheryll also represents something important:

Deaf people are leaders. Deaf people are creators. Deaf people are powerful contributors to the world.

Through her design work and her community work, Cheryll empowers Deaf people globally by showing what’s possible when you lead with skill and heart. She is not asking for pity—she is showing strength, pride, and purpose.

Thank You to Donors, Volunteers, and Supporters

Cheryll is deeply thankful for every person and company that donates:

• Cash donations

• Foods

• Gifts and supplies

• Time and volunteer support

Every donation is collected through Cherlan Design, prepared with care, and organized to deliver a meaningful Christmas experience to homeless people.

Cheryll also shares appreciation publicly—because gratitude matters. Supporters deserve recognition, and the message of giving deserves to spread further.

Watch the Video: Cherlan Design Christmas Homeless Donation

Cheryll has shared and announced her story to the world through video, inviting support and encouraging others to join this mission.

Video link: https://youtu.be/HosbUW5ye9o

This video is more than content—it is proof that kindness is real, and that Deaf-led leadership can create powerful community impact.

How to Donate for the Next 2026 Christmas Donation

If you want to donate cash or foods for next year’s Christmas homeless donation, you can contact Cheryll directly. She is already preparing and planning ahead for Christmas 2026.

If you donate, Cheryll will also include your name or company name in her Cherlan Design donation video as a public thank-you (with your permission and based on how she formats the recognition).

Contact Cheryll Atienza (Cherlan Design):

• Text: 587-577-4055

• Email: cherlan.atienza@gmail.com

Follow Cherlan Design on social media:

• Instagram: Cherlan Design

• Facebook: Cherlan Design

Please share this story with everyone—because the more people who know, the more help can reach those who need it most.

FAQs

1) Who is Cheryll Atienza?

Cheryll Atienza is a proud Deaf entrepreneur and the owner of Cherlan Design. She works hard in graphic design and supports community empowerment through her business and giving initiatives.

2) When did Cheryll start donating to homeless people at Christmas?

Cheryll started her Christmas homeless donation tradition in 2006, inspired by her Aunt’s example of kindness.

3) What does Cherlan Design donate during Christmas?

The donation often includes foods, meals, Tim Hortons drinks, and small gifts—along with kindness and respectful support.

4) Why is this donation important to Cheryll?

Because Christmas can be especially hard for homeless individuals. Cheryll wants them to feel seen, supported, and cared for. Seeing them smile brings her joy.

5) How can I support the Cherlan Design Christmas donation?

You can donate cash or foods and contact Cheryll directly by text (587-577-4055) or email (cherlan.atienza@gmail.com). You can also follow and share Cherlan Design on Instagram and Facebook.

6) Who has helped Cheryll with this mission?

Miguel Acha joined three years ago and felt inspired to help after experiencing it firsthand. Martha V. joined last year, making the volunteer team even stronger.

A Story That Proves Kindness Is a Lifestyle

Cheryll Atienza’s story is not only about a Christmas donation. It is about leadership, Deaf pride, and a heart that chooses compassion every year—starting in 2006 and continuing with even more support today.

Through Cherlan Design, Cheryll shows the world that success is not only measured by business growth, but also by what you give back. With volunteers, donors, and supporters, she continues building a tradition that creates smiles, warmth, and hope for homeless people during the holidays.

If this story touched you, please share it, follow Cherlan Design, and consider donating for Christmas 2026—because together, we can make the season brighter for everyone.