A New Jersey community comes together to raise $170-thousand to help a WWII vet whose home was destroyed by a fire. Marine Corps veteran Paul Roberts is an institution in his neighborhood on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. "He's the whole neighborhood," says neighbor Richard Obermayer. "He's like the mayor." So when the 94-year-old’s home was completely destroyed by fire last month, his neighbors were more than willing to do what they could to help him get back on his feet.
Obermayer was one of the first to lend a hand to Roberts, bringing him some clothes after the fire. Then Obermayer’s daughter created a GoFundMe to provide some financial support for their neighbor. As of Thursday, the crowdfund has raised over $170-thousand.
Roberts’ neighbors know he only has so many years left, so they’re committed to helping him enjoy the rest of his life. And the sentiment isn’t lost on Roberts, who despite the loss of his home is waking up with a smile on his face every day. "There's a lot of good people in this world, I found out," he says. “I don't know what I would have done without themI”
Source: People
Photo: Getty Images