Life
Electrician sees elderly woman’s home is falling apart so gathers community to fix it
John went to Gloria's house to do some electrical work. But after he saw her terrible living conditions, he refused to sit back and do nothing.
Patricia Lynn
01.07.22

When you have to call an electrician it’s typically not a good thing – as it means there’s something wrong in your home that could lead to a big bill. However, for one elderly woman, it completely changed her life in a positive way.

Gloria Scott of Woburn, Massachusetts had lived in her home since the ’60s.

Over the years, it had fallen into disrepair but it wasn’t until a light fixture started to spark that she knew she had to get some outside help.

Fortunately, she ended up making the right call.

Gloria called John Kinney of Kinney Electric and he quickly came out to help. He fixed her ceiling light but couldn’t help but notice the house needed a lot more than electrical work. Gloria couldn’t afford repairs to her home and didn’t want to ask for help. Lucky for her, she wouldn’t have to.

“No lights, no running water…it stuck with me over the weekend and I said I gotta go back there.” – John Kinney

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

The electrician did indeed return to Gloria’s house – only he began working for free.

There was so much to do that Kinney started a Facebook page titled ‘Nice old lady needs help.’ He hoped that other tradesmen would see the post and decide to help out. The response he got was powerful.

Facebook - John Kinney (Gloria's Gladiators)
Source:
Facebook - John Kinney (Gloria's Gladiators)

In no time, Gloria’s entire home was being renovated from top to bottom.

On the page, he wrote, ‘It’s not like we are trying to rebuild her whole house.” However, when John sat down with CBS Evening News, he laughed and said, “Well yeah now it looks like we are.”

Facebook - John Kinney
Source:
Facebook - John Kinney

The community came together thanks to a kind electrician.

Gloria was overwhelmed with gratitude when John continued to help her. “Please don’t pinch me because I don’t want to wake up.” – Gloria told CBS Evening News

Soon there were work crews showing up at Gloria’s house to assist John. None of them asked for anything in return. Someone was in need of help and they were there to help in any way possible.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

The renovation was no small feat.

The home was updated with all new electricity and plumbing, new walls, ceilings, and windows. The amount of time and energy spent was all worth it for this crew of extraordinary people.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

They couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated and caring team.

Gloria’s porch was also completely rebuilt and the construction crew worked tirelessly on completing it…of course at no cost at all to Gloria.

“It’s what you’re supposed to do.” – a worker said.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

The entire town came out to join in on the renovation.

It wasn’t just experienced tradesmen who decided to lend a hand. People from all across Woburn heard about the endeavor and wanted to help in some small way. It was something very special and Gloria felt such appreciation for their hard work on her behalf.

“Look at these people…I mean I can’t even comprehend the gratitude I have,” Gloria told CBS Evening News.

Facebook - John Kinney (Gloria's Gladiators)
Source:
Facebook - John Kinney (Gloria's Gladiators)

One man’s decision to help someone in need started a ripple effect.

“There’s no words for it you know?” John said.

Inspired by the positive reaction from his community, he started an organization called ‘Gloria’s Gladiators.’ John hopes to keep this spark of kindness going.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Many elderly men and women don’t have loved ones in their life to help with projects, nor the money to call a professional. Hopefully, this story inspires more people to lend a hand to their neighbors whenever possible.

Check out the video below to learn more about this gigantic act of kindness!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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