From Grinch to Grace: Ashland Community Delivers the Final Word in Downtown Christmas Story
ASHLAND — What began as a heartbreaking holiday crime in downtown Ashland has become one of the most powerful Christmas stories this community has told in years — a reminder that while a Grinch may try to steal Christmas, Ashland will always have the final word.
In the days following the burglary at Diamond Shine Nails, 48 W. Main St., ACP News shared the story titled “The Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas in Downtown Ashland — But the Community May Have the Final Word.” What happened next proved that headline wasn’t just hopeful — it was prophetic.
Ashland residents didn’t just respond.
They rose up.
Donations began pouring in almost immediately — some slipping in $20 bills, others handing over envelopes with hundreds. One of the first major acts of generosity came from Dan Ratliff, owner of Gargoyle Garage, who personally donated $500 to help rebuild what had been stolen. But in true Ashland fashion, Ratliff didn’t stop there. He picked up the phone, called fellow local business owners, and within the first day, nearly $800 had already been raised.
And that was only the beginning.
Diamond Shine Nails owner Saionara Frederick watched in disbelief as residents arrived one after another — some even standing on the sidewalk waiting for her to unlock the doors, eager simply to give.
“With tears swelling up,” Frederick said, “this community is so special to me. Seeing just how much they care — it means everything.”
The original loss was devastating: $623, raised through a holiday raffle meant to help a local single mother raising Two young boys and Two young girls, a family already struggling after a recent house fire. When that money was stolen, Frederick hoped — quietly — that maybe, just maybe, the community could help raise that amount so good could truly triumph over bad.
Ashland had other plans.
By the time the giving was finished, the total didn’t stop at three times the stolen amount.
It soared past it.
The final total: $2,700 — four and a half times what the Grinch took.
On a tear-filled afternoon, Frederick handed the money directly to the mother it was always meant for. The two women hugged tightly, holding one another as the Christmas spirit filled the room — compassion, kindness, and community on full display.
“It’s one of the greatest feelings,” Frederick said. “Truly the best outcome you could hope for.”
Earlier, this story ended with the line: “Where kindness, community, and compassion grow three sizes bigger.” But Ashland didn’t stop at three sizes.
Ashland went bigger.
Ashland went bolder.
Ashland showed the world exactly who it is.
As for the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas in downtown Ashland — this is one holiday story where generosity didn’t just win… it overwhelmed evil with grace, proving once again that Ashland truly is someplace special.
