85-Year-Old Widow Needed Firewood. A Tree Company Gave Her Much More
When 85-year-old Nana Abernathy in North Carolina called a local tree and crane service, she wasn’t asking for anything extraordinary—just help staying warm. She explained that she had run out of firewood, had recently lost her husband, and wouldn’t receive her Social Security check until the following week. Unable to afford the cost, she hoped someone might be able to help.
That call reached Paul Brittain, owner of Brittain’s Tree and Crane Services, and he decided right away that she wouldn’t be charged a dime. He delivered a generous load of firewood to her home, and when Nana saw the help she was receiving, she became overwhelmed with emotion and hugged him through tears. But after learning more about her situation, Brittain realized she needed more than just firewood.
He and his team came back again and went far beyond a simple delivery—repairing her roof, fixing her heating and air conditioning, and even putting new tires on her car, all at no cost. He also helped organize yard cleanup and set up a GoFundMe campaign to support her, which ultimately raised more than $20,000.
What began as a phone call for firewood became a powerful reminder of how one act of kindness can grow into a community coming together to make sure someone isn’t left facing winter alone.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.