Electrician Arrives To Fix Elderly Woman's Ceiling Light, Then Helps Fix Her Entire Home -- For Free

September 21, 2020

An electrician in Woburn, Massachusetts who was called upon to fix an elderly woman's ceiling light has now raised more than $100,000 for much-needed repairs to her entire home.

electrician helps fix elderly woman home
John Kinney and Gloria Scott / CBS News

Last month, Gloria Scott, 72, called John Kinney to fix a ceiling light, but he soon discovered that the broken light was the least of her problems.

"Last week, I met a nice old woman that lives all alone in Woburn. She has no internet or cell phone. When sparks started shooting out of her light fixture, she went to a neighbor, and they gave her my number. When I arrived at her house I discovered that the electrical was in very bad shape. 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. She told me that critters often got in the house. The outside was no better. Gutters were falling down and it was surrounded by a jungle. She has no family, and money is tight."

Kinney returned to her home and started working for free. He also started a Facebook page titled "Nice old lady needs help" where he called on other tradespeople to join him.

They've been at it about a month now, putting in all new electrical, all new plumbing, new windows and walls and ceilings. Almost everything is getting replaced, from the back yard lawn to the front porch steps.

gloria gladiators
Gloria's Gladiators

The whole town of Woburn is pitching in. People without specific trade skills are showing up with shovels and rakes, sending gift baskets and purchasing meals for the volunteers.

So far, Kinney has raised more than $100,000 to help pay for materials. Over 2,000 people have donated to the good cause.

 

"I can't even comprehend the gratitude that I have," Gloria said.

Kinney is equally speechless.

"It's just — there's no words for it, you know," he said.

Kinney has since launched a Facebook group named "Gloria's Gladiators". It consists of professional tradesmen and volunteers that can be called upon to help out any elderly person in need.

He said he would like to see chapters of Gloria's Gladiators across the country helping seniors in similar circumstances.

Watch the video below.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good videoWoman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing

feel good videoArtist Creates Mesmerizing Optical Illusion Using Just A Marker And A Spinning Wheel

feel good videoConcerned Momma Moose Wanders Into Alaska Firehouse

feel good videoUPS Driver Joins Teenagers On Graduation Slip ’N Slide

feel good videoHero Dog Named RAMBO Scares Off Masked Robbers To Save Woman

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me