Ron Giacinto has been providing relief to hurricane victims since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That often involves setting up a donation drive outside a grocery store and driving a truck full of goods down south.
But during Christmas week of 2024, he found himself at a toy drive for children affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
After helping roughly 10 children, Giacinto met Allie Gabler. But Giacinto was caught off guard when then-9-year-old Allie started venting about the horrors of the hurricane.
Following a conversation with Allie's grandparents, Giacinto left his business card and started driving home.
But Allie's words echoed loudly, and he decided to reconnect with the family to offer further support.
After several more conversations, Giacinto and his wife became 'Uncle Ron' and 'Aunt Cheryl' to Allie.
Giacinto was able to learn more about what Allie's family needed. Notably, they were low on funds and needed a home to call their own.
He was able to connect the family with the right resources to move into an apartment. He also furnished it for them with the help of first responders he had met in North Carolina.
The Giacintos brought Allie to Pennsylvania to give her a summer to remember, featuring trips to the beach, the mountains, Hershey Park, the aquarium, and more.
And most recently, the Giacintos visited North Carolina again to surprise Allie on her birthday and facilitate her party and dinner.
Giacinto's ultimate goal is to help Allie and her family move closer to the Pennsylvania area so they can gain access to a better quality of life.
He hopes sharing this story will inspire others to help people in need.
Watch the video above to hear the story in their words.
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