There really is a large number of lonely people out in the world — people who do not have a single friend nor family to turn to when in need. But, even if they don't realize it, these people aren't always alone. Some can find companion in their neighbors!
This is the case for Anne Glancey, who lives in New Jersey. The city authorities threatened to fine the woman for necessary repairs to her house and other code violations, but she did not have the financial means to do so.
She didn't have any friends or relatives to turn to either. Her only contact was with her neighbors, Kristin and Adam Polhemus. However, that was just enough to see her through.
The list the city authorities of Hamilton Township had sent was daunting for somebody in her situation. Anne needed to repaint the house, get rid of a derelict car that was lying in her front yard, and also trim the lawn, or she'd face three violations with fines which could add up to $3,000 daily. It had always been her home, and naturally, Anne was very upset.
She showed the letter to Kristin and Adam. The couple decided to help and shared on Facebook, inviting neighbors in Hamilton.
In her Facebook post, Kristin invited them to spare some hours over the weekend for the tasks at their elderly neighbor’s home. She mentioned the letter and the fact that Anne was not in a position to physically or financially attempt the job herself. The task required at least twenty volunteers. She mentioned the timings and kindly asked them to bring the tools and a ladder each. Kristin even made arrangements for lunch and dinner for all the volunteers.
The response they received was overwhelming. About 25 people in the neighborhood chipped in. Anne, Kristen, and Adam were delighted at the response. Over two dozen kind neighbors volunteered for several weekends and donated supplies to complete the job before the deadline.
Adam found it surprising that people turned up to help a stranger just because their heart compelled them to do so. Every volunteer used their tools and supplies to first scrape the paint off the exterior before repainting it. They also repaired the broken siding, spruced up the yard, fixed the porch, and gave away the old vehicle to the Purple Heart Foundation.
The total work that was done, along with the cost of the materials would have cost the woman anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000. Her neighbors did it all for free. She's grateful for their support and generosity. Adam and Kristin are happy for Anne. They know her life has been restored as she has developed a new relationship with her neighbors. She has now become more outgoing as well.
Anne feels that through those little deeds of kindness, her neighbors have transformed not only Anne’s house but also lit a light in the elderly neighbor’s heart.
Anne’s compassionate neighbors have shown that little acts of kindness can make a world of difference in the lives of lonely and helpless individuals living out the last years of their lives.
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