A Massapequa Park family facing their first Christmas without their loved one were shown the true meaning of the holiday from co-workers at Northwell Health.

Luz Bove and her children - Vincent Jr. and Ava - are facing their first holiday since their husband and father - Vincent Bove - died on Oct. 23.

"It focuses on family, togetherness, tradition, faith and it's hard when you don't have a key component of your unit, of your family," Bove said.

On Friday, Bove's work family at Northwell Health surprised the family with Christmas presents for her children.

The idea was started by LIJ Valley Street Chief Finance Officer Chris O'Brien, who met Bove, at a Hispanic heritage event months ago.

"I remember thinking, I met her for a reason," O'Brien said.

He called across different areas in Northwell Health to help Bove - who is an occupational therapist in the network.

The Bove family was placed on Northwell's Giving Tree and donations started pouring in.

Employees donated over $1,700 for toys and gift certificates for the family.

Others donated tickets to a Rangers game and Disney on Ice.

"She has an entire community behind her and supporting her no matter what comes her way," said Preye Jituboh, an employee at LIJ Valley Stream.

Bove says her children will be excited to see the presents under the tree and knows that her late husband is grateful for the gift of friendship extended to his family.

"I think he's comforted in knowing he might not be here to watch over us and protect us but there are a lot of people that he left us with to watch over us and take care of us and to help us get through this," Bove said.

Others on Northwell Health's team also plan to contribute to a foundation that will be started in Vincent Bove's memory.