Houston Northwest Church canceled the medical debt of more than 1,360 individuals in northwest Houston ZIP codes by raising $30,000 through its The Big Give Christmas Eve offering in December, according to an April 29 release from the church. Letters were sent to families in late April, Director of Connections and Communications Karen Stamps said, letting them know that their outstanding medical debt had been paid in full with no strings attached.

The $30,000 raised in December paid $3 million of medical debt through RIP Medical Debt, according to the release. Each dollar given covered $100 worth of medical debt in the northwest Houston area, according to the release.

Notice of the canceled medical debt was sent to families during a time when many are struggling with financial stress due to the coronavirus, according to the release.

"People often must choose between paying medical bills and basics like food, utilities or housing. With many out of work due to COVID-19, the stress of debt can be overwhelming," Stamps said in the release. "Thanks to the generosity of those attending HNW's Christmas Eve services, many families have had their medical debt burden lifted."

During the coronavirus pandemic, Houston Northwest Church holds online services Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.