Senior thanks Ch 2 viewers for donations after vandalism

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An elderly Dekalb County man whose home was ransacked by vandals is thanking Channel 2 viewers for their contributions to his recovery.

"The people from Channel 2 have been so kind," Thompson's daughter, Judy Parker, said.

Floyd Thompson's home was ransacked nearly two months ago. When Channel 2's Diana Davis met the 87-year-old afterward, smashed furniture lay in a pile in his front yard. Vandals not only destroyed his few possessions but spread human waste all over the furniture.

After Davis' report, a Cumming Christian charity donated a near-new scooter along with furniture and beds, and viewers donated $1,500 to a recovery account.

"It's paid for the security system, and it paid for some labor," Parker said.

Another viewer, who runs a company that retro fits homes for the elderly and disabled, built Thompson a new ramp and remodeled his bathroom, free of charge, except for some materials.

"He put in special grab bars, a shower here, replaced the toilet and the sink," Parker said.

For the first time in years, Thompson can slide out of his wheelchair into the bath to take a shower. For seven years, he had to clean up with just sponge baths.

"I appreciate it very much," Thompson said.

Though he and his daughter said they will never forget the ugliness or the vandalism, both are concentrating on people's good works, "That there really are people out there who know to take care of each other," Parker said.

Donations to Thompson can be made to a fund under his name at any Wells Fargo Bank. The account number is 5817741969.

WSBTV