Oprah's Big Give gives back to neighbor
2:57 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008
One of those Central Park residents has given back to the community and to his neighbors for more than twenty years. But now he needs some help and he's getting it, thanks to Oprah's Big Give and some generous Topekans.
"The plumbing is bad under here. That's going to have to be rebuilt," says Central Park resident Raymond Beard.
He did have big plans for this house when he retired from the workforce.
"This all needs to be dry walled. That was my intention when I retired but the doctor won't let me do it." he said.
Health issues, including a minor stroke, has doctors telling him those plans for renovations could be dangerous for his health. Now he is going to get a helping hand from Oprah's Big Give. Beard can't believe his luck.
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Oprah's Big Give: Topeka-Raymond Beard
What goes around, comes around. Central Park neighborhood resident Raymond Beard has always had a helping hand for his neighbors. Now, he's getting some help from Oprah's Big Give and his neighbors to fix up his house.
"Well I love it," Beard says. "I have so much work to do and I didn't think I was going to get it done."
Beard is going to be one of five families getting a share of $10,000 to fix up his home. But the work that needs to be done outweighs the Big Give's generosity. That's why his Central Park neighbors and the Shawnee County Landlords Association are pitching in, just like they did at this house at 615 SW Tyler.
"This is going to have to be taken out and put me a regular stove in here, 'cause if I don't cook, my grandkids will dis-own me."
Beard also needs a water heater and his washer and dryer were damaged when his basement flooded.
He has lived in this Central Park house for more than twenty-five years. He had seen criminal activity take over the neighborhood.
"I went on vacation once and someone shot a hole through the screens," remembers Beard.
Beard had the courage to step up and joined others in taking back the neighborhood.
For the past twenty years, he's worked with police to identify criminal activity and clean up the neighborhood. But he has done so much more. He's mowed lawns and done odd jobs for his neighbors.
"I just kind of look after the neighborhood like it belongs to me and they appreciate that, all the neighbors do," said Beard.
His neighbor, Leroy Bennett said, "He sticks his hand out to help everyone else and there's nothing that he would ever do for you."
Bennett said Beard has always been there for him and the neighbors. He is excited his friend will be getting some help.
"It's got me smiling because he deserves it. He really deserves it."
Beard is so appreciative.
"I've help everybody else all my life, I figured maybe my turn will come up. I guess this is it," he smiled.
Comments
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Mar. 19, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)timone77 (anonymous)
This is a wonderful thing for my Father-in-law, Raymond Beard. He is truly a geniune, kind-hearted man that deserves this help because of all he does to help others in which he often neglects himself. Thank God it's your turn now, Dad.
Mar. 29, 2008 at 4:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)topcity_785 (anonymous)
oprah giving back to the hood
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