An act of solidarity in a Des Moines community restored hope in Christmas to a man who fell ill and was unable to hang his holiday decoration lights as he traditionally did every year.
Dale and Julie Marks moved to the Beaverdale community three years ago and joined in one of the most important traditions of the place, which is to decorate the exterior of your home for Christmas in the most creative way possible.
This tradition has attracted visits from tourists and locals for years.
“It was like a dream come true buying a home here,” Julie Marks, 57, told The Washington Post.
In addition to the decorations, she and her husband set up a container for visitors to put their donations that they gave to the Iowa food bank. Last year they raised $ 7,500 and 1,500 pounds of food, Julie Marks said.
However, they both contracted COVID-19 and Dale bore the brunt.
In September, the 68-year-old man suffered two strokes and a heart attack from complications from the virus.
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On November 2, Dale returned home and between the care and rehabilitation, his wife did not have time to think about the decoration for this year.
Until a citizen who loves the Christmas tradition wanted to help them.
This is Bob Coffey, a contractor from Des Moines, known in his community as 'Bob the Builder'.
The man found out about the couple's situation and decided to call Julie to offer her help.
"I grew up just three miles (five kilometers) from where Dale and Julie live," Coffey told The Washington Post.
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He also assured that last year, 24 family and friends took a bus ride through the neighborhood to marvel at the Christmas lights and sing Christmas carols.
A mother and daughter wait to see Santa Claus at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.Kevin Reid / Getty Images
"When I found out they needed help, I knew I would have no problem putting together a team of volunteers," said Coffey, 56.
He contacted Julie and on November 15, along with four employees, they gathered tools and set about decorating the Marks' home.
“It was amazing that they did this for us;
It made me want to cry, ”Julie said.
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Dale is beginning to get around without the help of his walker and receives help dressing and bathing.
For now he cannot speak because his vocal cords are weakened, however, he sent a note to the newspaper to express what he felt when receiving the help of Coffey.
According to the text, Dale sat at the entrance of his house to watch them work.
"When I sat down to watch, tears came to my eyes seeing Bob and his entire team finish our lights," he said.
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Coffey said he and his employees were more than happy to do so.
The neighborhood show, which includes a food drive, will kick off this year on December 4 and continue for several nights through Christmas Eve.