An 85-year-old widow in North Carolina called a local tree removal company asking for help getting firewood to stay warm, and she got that and much more. Nana Abernathy explained that she’d recently lost her husband, was out of wood, and couldn’t afford more until her next Social Security check arrived. Her call reached Paul Brittain, owner of Brittain’s Tree and Crane Services in Connelly Springs.
He delivered firewood to Abernathy at no cost and personally checked on her. In the days that followed, Brittain and his team returned to repair her leaking roof, fix her heating unit, and replace the tires on her car, all free of charge. He says that even though business had been slow for him lately, he felt it was important to make sure Abernathy was safe and warm during the winter.
To provide longer-term support, Brittain set up a crowdfund and shared Abernathy’s story on social media. The fundraiser brought in more than $20-thousand. The combined efforts helped ensure she had some financial support and repairs she needed to face the winter season.