Volunteers give Norristown woman a free roof

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - January 28, 2012 (WPVI) -- Faith Smith and her grandchildren watched completely stunned as total strangers fixed the roof of her Norristown home for free.

"It's like a dream coming true," said Smith.

This volunteer effort started with a phone call from Jo DiFabrizio of West Chester  an Action News viewer who watched Karen Rogers' Pay 6 Forward story earlier this month.

Smith received $600 when someone she didn't personally know described how much she needed the money. It touched DiFabrizio.

"Her husband passed away in September, so my heart just went out to her," she said.

Smith couldn't believe how blessed she was.

"That's two strangers in my life that I've met since my husband passed. So he's watching over me, he really is," said Smith.

Smith and her husband were married for 36 years. She lost her health insurance when he passed, and was going to use the money toward payments and fixing her roof.

DiFabrizio's husband is a roofer and they sprung into action, dialing up a Home Depot in Downingtown.

"There were some dire repairs needed for the home. When Faith said she needed her roof fixed she wasn't lying," said Rebecca Culp of Home Depot.

DiFabrizio's husband and his fellow roofers volunteered as well as members of The Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Dunkin Donuts donated breakfast, and Chick-Fil-A donated lunch. New shingles were shared from Allied, a dumpster from A.J. Blosenski, and Home Depot did the rest.

"One of my husband's friends asked what I was getting out of this and I said hope. That somebody else would do the same thing for someone. Her name is Faith so we've already got faith," said DiFabrizio.

With the labor and all the materials, a job like this would normally cost thousands of dollars.

Smith is so grateful for the love shown by complete strangers.

"It's unbelievable. I can't believe there are angels out here like this. It's a big blessing," she said.

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pennsylvania, montgomery county, norristown, pay 6 forward, local/state, katherine scott

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