'Do it because it's needed': Good Samaritans help Fayetteville community during Florence
People often say, "When a crisis happens, that's when the community really comes together," but one Fayetteville man put those words into action.
Erica Bodine was shocked when a huge tree came crashing into her home during Florence, but she'd heard about a man willing to help.
"I called Tony, and they were here in 30 minutes," she said.
Tony Brown, a retired Special Forces soldier, jumped in his car to answer the call. He, and a handful of good men, cut down the tree and repaired the roof in the middle of the storm.
"...didn't think twice. Got it done just to make sure we were safe," he said.
Tony posted pictures of the rainy rescue on Facebook and more calls for help flooded in.
"When you do good work, your name gets out there fast, and we were among the few, so the people started calling us," Brown said.
Brown and about 60 volunteers worked all week long, cutting trees, handing out food and giving rides to shelters. And they paid for all out of their own pockets.
"They are cut from a different cloth," said Eric Lee.
Lee had a severely leaking roof. He called Brown and it was shored up the next day.
"And we are so thankful and proud that they did help," Lee said.
"I'm sure we'll get thank yous and cards later, but you don't do it for that. You do it because it's needed," said Steven Lombardi, a volunteer.
Tony and crew will be at it again tomorrow. If you’d like to join them, or need help yourself – all you need to do is email him at contact@southernccinc.org
