Jul 16, 2007 7:45 pm US/Eastern
Gift Of Furniture Helps Family Victimized By Storm
The McComb Family Is The Second Winner In The 40 Years, 40 Families Contest
dl
PERRINE (CBS4) ―
Thomas and Clarice McComb were in trouble. Their West Perrine home had been battered by hurricanes dating back to Andrew, and help was nowhere in sight.
"We haven't had enough money to pay for the repairs," their son Tim said.
Atop the McComb home is an unsafe roof. Inside, mold is taking over the walls. Their furniture was old and tattered and their kitchen seemed beyond repair, and to add to their burden, the McCombs are both hearing impaired.
"We met with the insurance company. We discussed with them. We have been waiting a long time for them to fix," said Clarice.
That's when a caring couple stepped in, transforming their home and changing their lives. Arlene and Charles Williams belong to the church where Thomas works as a custodian and when they heard about Thomas's financial hardships, they took action.
The Williams family organized a complete home makeover and entered the McComb family in the El Dorado "40 Years, 40 Families" contest.
In her letter nominating The McCombs for the 40 years, 40 families price, Arlene Williams wrote, " We have received some donated furniture. I know it would be a blessing to the McCombs" family to be a recipient of the El Dorado Furniture gives away. It would be such a surprise to the McCombs family when we reveal the house on July 12th if it had all new furniture. The McCombs are kind and loving people with a servant heart and who would never ask for anything."
Last week, more than 20 teens from the First Baptist Church of Oveido descended on the home, painting, sanding, landscaping and cleaning.
"This house was horrible. It was really bad. It's really hard to think people lived like this," said Chloe Boullon, a volunteer.
Meanwhile, Thomas and Clarice stayed at a local hotel. One night, Arlene and Charles took them them furniture shopping at El Dorado furniture.
The McComb's thought they were just in the running for 40 years, 40 families the grand prize, and they had no idea the furniture they picked out for their "wish list" was what would soon sit in their home.
After four sweaty days in the South Florida sun, when all the work was finished, the McComb home sparkled. From a brand new back patio perfect for a barbeque to a comfortable living room with a new TV.
When Thomas and Clarice pulled up at their home, their emotions were clear. As the teens cheered and waved their arms, the McCombs rushed around their house-- checking out everything and signing "thank you" and "I love you" to the crowds.
The McComb's son Carlos said they deserve everything they have now," it's like a big payoff for everything in their whole entire life."
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
