WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Most families on Christmas are at home opening gifts, sharing food and enjoying the holiday. But for Stacy Johnson and her family, they're spreading joy by giving back to those who are less fortunate. Stacy Johnson, a St. Mary’s County resident in Maryland, took a trip to Northwest D.C and started giving out food, clothes, blankets and even more. PHOTOS: DC News Now team celebrating the holidays fashionably with pets Once Stacy Johnson and her brother-in-law Jason Luter arrived to the area, they were greeted with a wave of people looking for essentials. "We did it from the bottom of our hearts,” Stacy Johnson told the crowd. “We love y'all.”  Usually acts like this are done by nonprofit organizations, but Johnson isn't part of a non-profit, in fact, she’s doing this because she said she believes this is what the holiday is about.  “We started out doing 25 sandwiches almost 10 years ago, and that wasn't enough. So I used to get my kids out here and we used to make sandwiches,” Stacy Johnson said. “They sing to us, they lift our day up so it's enjoyable and we feel like we giving something back and doing something positive.” Luter agreed with his sister-in-law's sentiment. “We got what we want and we just feel like we need to bless somebody else and that's the mindset of everybody that's here," Luter said. Locals search for slopes as white Christmas dodges DC The pair's tradition has now turned into a lesson that Johnson taught to her kids. "I wanted my sons to understand life, you know? You could make a wrong corner and be out here too. Nothing's granted in life.” Stacy Johnson said. She said her kids are carrying on the tradition in other cities. The Christmas spirit of giving didn't just infect them. Carolyn Johnson is not related to Stacy Johnson at all, but they both relate to their need to help others. Carolyn Johnson is from Dallas, Tx. visiting, and she was just walking to the monuments to sightsee until she was drawn to help.  “It's love. You see the need and you just help.” Carolyn Johnson said. “It's sad because there's so many people that need help. You don't know if it's mental illness or what, but I'm just grateful. We're really grateful to be here. I just want it to be a blessing to someone else." Humane Rescue Alliance urgently seeking adopters by New Year’s day Stacy Johnson said she and her family will look to keep the Christmas Day tradition alive next year.