Oprah's Big Give even bigger, thanks to Topekans
7:44 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2008
Volunteers with Let's Help and Kansas Gas Service manned the phones in our newsroom, taking your calls. But Maggie North says those few hours paid off in huge donations, some pledging up to $500.
"I think it's amazing. That's a lot of money and I know it comes from their hearts and generosity and out of their own pockets," North said.
Altogether, volunteers raised $2,145. That is in addition to $10,000 provided by ABC and Oprah's Big Give. That money will go to help out five needy families.
"It's really great to see how the people of Topeka gather together to take care of their own," volunteer coordinator Fred Martinez.
One of those who'll get some help is Bobbie Fowler. This home has been in her family for generations. But now problems with her plumbing and appliances are threatening her quality of life. But dozens of volunteers from Keep America Beautiful and Westar will fix up her home.
Say thanks to the following
Get a list of home captains, service providers and volunteers taking part in Oprah's Big Give here.
One Central park resident has given back to the community and to his neighbors for more than twenty years. Now Raymond Beard will get help fixing up his home from Central Park neighbors and the Shawnee County Landlords Association.
FCC advertising and Slumberland will help Meghan Olson fix up her home.
PDQ Construction is helping Nancy Lawrence fix her windows and electricity. And Ray Santin and his family will get a helping hand from the community fixing up their Scranton home.
The efforts of the volunteers are humbling to those receiving their help.
"I'm just so thankful and so amazed," Meghan Olson said.
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