Community helps mother, son get back on their feet

CHALFONT, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Chalfont woman has come to the rescue of a homeless woman and her child. It's proof positive of how one person's simple act of kindness can positively change the lives of others.

She noticed her walking on the side of the street with her young son last Monday.

What struck Angelisa DiPalma were the bags she was carrying.

"Big heavy bags, looking like they were carrying everything that they owned," Angelisa explained.

The woman, who doesn't want her identity revealed, was leaving a difficult, abusive relationship.

Angelisa didn't know that at the time, but her heart went out to the boy with the woman.

"It was 1:00 - school time. And he did look like the same age as one of my kids," Angelisa said.

"The next thought that came to me was, 'How can you not turn around?'"

Angelisa offered the woman a ride and told her she wanted to help.

She reached out to friends in the community and with 24 hours had secured her a fully furnished apartment - rent free.

And the donations poured in: Food to stock the pantry and the refrigerator.

One woman made autumn decorations for the apartment.

Angelisa says, "People went the extra mile to not only make it work for now, but to make it feel more like a home."

Dishes were donated for the kitchen, and beds and clothing for both mother and son.

The boy, age 12, was given lots of supplies - a Wii video game and his very own scooter.

He tells us, "I just got it today. It's now my favorite scooter."

Angelisa says, "It doesn't take much. A little but can go a long way, especially when you have an army behind you."

Angelisa and her community are continuing to reach out on behalf of her new friends. A fundraiser is being held at Los Sarapes Mexican Restaurant, located at 17 Moyer Road in Chalfont, until 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.

For details on how to help visit www.woodyscircleofcare.org.