While there was a lot of sadness in 2020, there were some positive stories too. One that won’t be forgotten involved a kind-hearted electrician, an elderly woman’s home, and a team of “gladiators” swooping in to help.
The story was so touching in fact, that CBS’ Steve Hartman decided to revisit it during a recent “On the Road” segment. It’s once again showing people the power of kindness.
It all started when John Kinney of Woburn, Massachusetts went into an elderly client’s home to fix a light.
As an electrician and owner of Kinney Electric, John is used to seeing houses that could use some work. But what he saw in 72-year-old Gloria Scott’s home was on another level. Turns out, the electrical problem was only one of many issues that needed addressing.
John wrote on Facebook:
“Half her lights were out, she had no stove, and her refrigerator was plugged into an extension cord. I fixed her immediate electrical hazards and got her lights and air conditioning on. When all the lights came on, I saw that her ceilings were falling apart, her kitchen sink was broken, and that the place was filthy.”
Posted by John Kinney on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
The outside of Gloria’s home was a mess too.
Her yard had grown into a “jungle,” and John noticed that the house’s gutters were falling down. Even the porch steps didn’t appear to be safe.
Sadly though, Gloria didn’t have the money or family members to help fix all of the problems in her home – which is why she was living in such poor conditions.
After finishing the electrical job, John could have just walked away from the situation. But that’s not what he did…
John told CBS News:
“I think I seen her on a Friday and it stuck with me over the weekend and I said, ‘I got to go back there.'”
On top of returning to Gloria’s home to work free-of-charge, John gathered volunteers and tradespeople (including his brother Dan) to help tackle the many projects. He also created a fundraiser on Facebook called “Nice old lady needs help.”
A community with a gigantic heart.
Together, the volunteers (also known as Gloria’s Gladiators) worked to completely fix her home. From plumbing to painting, to new walls, windows, and porch – it seems as if there wasn’t a project left untouched. Even Gloria’s yard was transformed and people donated money, gifts, and food.
Gloria couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s hard work, generosity, and kindness.
She told CBS News:
“I mean, I can’t even comprehend the gratitude that I have.”
John has also been blown away by the whole thing, saying:
“It’s just, there’s no words for it. You know?”
They’re just getting started with “Gloria’s Gladiators.”
John is helping form chapters of Gloria’s Gladiators around the nation so that more elderly individuals can receive the assistance they need. On the group’s Facebook page it says:
“We are a group of professional tradesmen and volunteers that can be called upon to help out any elderly person in need.”
The story is so beautiful, it’s no wonder why it’s been covered over and over again.
You can watch the special news video below, which includes more photos of Gloria’s home!
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