Volunteers helped fix up Mary's house by repairing her fence, putting in a new driveway and cleaning up the landscaping.

SULFUR SPRINGS, Fl.  – Like most grandparents, Mary was not expecting to become a mother again.

However, circumstances changed for her daughter and three children and Mary had to take in the three boys. That was in May 2003, and life has been a struggle ever since.

The trio lived with their grandmother in a small cinder block home in Sulfur Springs. At times, the financial situation grew so bleak that Mary almost had to surrender the boys.

Several months ago, Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, an Operation Blessing supported outreach found out about Mary's plight.

As part of their Annual Carefest, Somebody Cares Tampa Bay reached out to Mary and other families in 15 impoverished communities in Sulfur Springs.

Volunteers helped Mary fix up her house by repairing her fence, putting in a new driveway, cleaning up the landscaping and donating a lawn mower to the family so the boys could maintain the yard. In addition, the family was given financial assistance to help cover their monthly bills.

Holly and her five children were one of several families in 15 communities helped during Carefest, a program sponsored by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, an OBI-supported outreach.

Sulfur Springs was chosen due to the heavy gang activity and skyrocketing murder rate, and has been named the third worst city in the state.

Holly and her five children also received help with their home. The family had been without hot water for three years. Thanks to Carefest and the skills of a local plumber and electrician, the problem was solved.

In addition, kitchen cabinets were installed, mold was removed from the siding, window screens were replaced and ceiling fans were installed.

"I could not do this on my own," Holly said. "It makes me feel good. No one is staring at my home saying, ‘Look at that house.'"

 

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