When John Kinney came to repair a light socket for 72-year-old Gloria Scott in Woburn, Massachusetts, his heart told him he needed to do more for her.
“Last week, I met a nice old woman who lives all alone in Woburn,” John shared in an online post. She doesn’t have access to the internet or a cell phone. Sparks started shooting out of her light fixture, so she went to her neighbors, and they gave her my number.”
John learned that the elderly woman had no family or friends to help her. Lights were out in her home, the ceilings were falling apart, the kitchen sink was broken, the steps leading into her home were very shaky, and raccoons were often entering through various holes in the walls.
“When I arrived at her house, I discovered that the electrical system was in very bad shape. She had no stove, no lights, and her refrigerator was plugged into an extension cord. After fixing her immediate electrical hazards, I turned on her lights and air conditioner. All the lights were on when I saw that her ceilings were falling apart, her kitchen sink was broken, and the place was filthy. I learned that critters were often in the house. Outside was no better. The gutters were falling down and there was jungle surrounding it. Money is tight, and she doesn’t have a family.”
After leaving Gloria’s house, John couldn’t stop thinking about her. He drove back to her house the next day and fixed everything he could without charge.
“I knew she needed help, but I knew she wouldn’t ask for it,” John said.
John’s neighbors responded to his call by volunteering together. They did as much as they could, but John realized the 72-year-old’s home needed more, so he organized a fundraiser and asked for donations to help Gloria’s home be safe and comfortable.
Volunteers helped us do a lot of yard work and cleanup. This nice lady was very grateful for everyone’s help. But it wasn’t enough. She had some serious plumbing problems. The drywall needs to be repaired extensively. There is a lot of painting to be done. Her front porch brick steps are an accident waiting to happen. I’m not looking to rebuild her whole house. I just want to make it safe and livable for her. I have a network of skilled professionals that will donate their time to this cause. I’m looking to raise money for materials. Thank you very much.”
Several kind neighbors as well as people online donated $111,331 for Gloria’s Gladiators to fix everything in her home within weeks.
John said, “The project kept growing and support kept pouring in.”. “She’s been here alone for more than a decade, so I’m sure it’s a big adjustment, but she’s warmed up to everyone.”. “She’s so happy, she’s got all kinds of new friends.”. She’s making lunch for us, laughing and joking. “It’s just a miracle to behold.”
Fixing a sparking light turned into a full-scale home renovation. They were able to fix her entire plumbing system and electrical system, install a new roof, new windows, new insulation, a new back porch, a fresh paint job, and even lay brand new grass in her backyard. Gloria is deeply grateful, as she has spent the past 10 years alone.
I am reminded of my grandmother when I see her. My daughter and my wife have developed a bond with her. But it doesn’t end there. “Gloria is a very important part of my life,” John said.
Gloria’s Gladiators is a Facebook group created by John where he hopes to inspire people in different communities to take up projects to help their elderly neighbors.
The goal is to get the whole community to be gladiators and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
A lonely 72-year-old woman’s life has been forever changed thanks to a single electrician who took the time to care.
Let’s be there for our neighbors and take care of them.
You are loved.
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