The success of the Michael & Son T.V. series “Helping Hands” has given the Cares Program a great deal of exposure and people from all over the community are reaching out to us. Whether it’s someone in need of assistance or a viewer writing to commend our work, we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback. Because of today’s economic climate of uncertainty, many businesses are unable or simply unwilling to give back to the community. That’s not the case here at Michael & Son where we go above and beyond to serve those in need. Take the Anderson family from Triangle, Virginia. The Anderson’s home had no A/C and a recent problem with their oil furnace left them without heat. In place of the furnace, the family was forced to use kerosene and electric heaters, which are costly and hazardous to keep in the home. To complicate matters, the family had a 15 year old son, Brandon, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy and was confined to a wheel chair. One complication of his disease was a lung infection which was irritated by the humidity, cold and most of all the fumes from the kerosene heater. After seeing “Helping Hands” on NBC, the family reached out to Michael & Son for assistance.
The Michael & Son’s Cares Program immediately stepped in and furnished the home with a brand new heating and cooling system at no cost to the Anderson’s. During the course of the work, we learned that little Brandon is big Michael Vick and Philadelphia Eagles fan. When Michael & Son Owner Basim Mansour heard this, he started making phone calls. “Meeting Brandon really inspired me. Despite his illness and all his problems, he always had a smile on his face. I wanted to do something to help keep him smiling” said Mansour. After making a few phone calls, Basim had an autographed, regulation football helmet signed by Michael Vick being sent over night. During a visit to the Anderson home to inspect the completed work, Basim surprised Brandon with the helmet. “I’d never seen Brandon’s face light up like that” said Dawn Anderson’s, Brandon’s mother, “It was truly the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for him”.
It’s moments like those that remind the Cares Team and the entire Michael & Son staff why what we do is so important. Our goal is not just for Michael & Son to make a difference in someone’s life but for everyone to try and make a difference. We are hoping that the stories told through “Helping Hands” will compel our viewers to reach out to those in need and help in any way they can. You can see the entire Anderson family story this Sunday at 12pm on NBC4. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to keep up with all our community service events.
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