AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — People from all over the world have been watching a viral story out of Aurora.
A single mother, caregiving for her own mother helped an elderly neighbor when he was having a stroke. She posted his story online and it drew in hundreds of gifts from all over the country.
Jennifer Taylor who is also the owner of a small candle shop, told FOX31 she had no idea when she posted her neighbor’s story on Threads it would take off the way it did.
The story has been viewed almost 140,000 times and has captured the hearts of strangers. Taylor said she got a knock on her door the day after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“He knocked on my door saying he was having a stroke,” said Taylor “I immediately went into helper mode.”
She called 9-1-1.
“I came downstairs with him and waited for the ambulance. The next day, Saturday morning, I made a post on threads,” said Taylor.
She shared his story and reached people from all over the world.
“I go from 15 followers to 1,100 followers, to 1,800 followers to people responding saying this is what the season is about. Sending love from London, sending love from the Netherlands and the Philippines and from South America,” said Taylor. “People kept asking what does he need? And how can we help? Honestly, I didn’t know what he needed so I went to check on him,”
When she went into his home she realized he was in need. She posted a picture of his empty refrigerator and created an Amazon list to get him basic necessities.
“The post was put out to let people know how dire the situation was,” she said. “All I wanted to do and all I still want to do is to make sure my neighbor is okay. I had no idea this story was going to take off the way it did.”
It didn’t take long for the donations, gift cards, and packages to roll in.
“I realize there are things you need in your home to make your living situation easy. From blankets to bedding to soap to dishes to food. As a single mom I get it,” said Taylor. “The Amazon lady came to my house and had 4 big pales of gifts in one day. One trip alone had 47 packages. That’s when I was like, there are really good people in the world.”
Taylor’s neighbor was too shy to speak with us on camera but said he is grateful for the support he has received worldwide.
“He often says… he calls me ‘Doll.’ He often says Doll I don’t know what I’ll do without you and I’m surprised people really love me like this,” said Taylor.
A month later and the gifts are still coming in.
“We had to get a P.O. Box because a lot of people wanted to send him Christmas cards,” she said. “We got a Christmas card from Ireland. “
Taylor said it’s all about remembering to help others out, not just during the holidays.
“Yes it is the holiday season but people need help year round so help them the best way that you can. What have you done for people who can’t repay you? I think we sometimes lost that lesson. To be a good Samaritan you often help those who can’t repay you, who aren’t going to be in a position to ever repay you, but you still do it,” said Taylor. “To me, as a Christian woman, this is the true definition of a good Samaritan story and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
Taylor said her neighbor has received too many packages to even count.
Her neighbor is doing OK, and she hopes this story inspires others to give when they see someone in need.