Tag Archives: Helping Hands

Helping Hands – Surprising a furloughed Salvation Army Worker that continues to volunteer

Community,

 

Easterns Automotive Group and ABC 7 have teamed up once again to offer another helping hand. The pair created this segment as a platform to help those in need and worthy of being recognized in the community. Unfortunately, there are many people seeking help with over 14.7% of Americans unemployed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There are also many working on the front lines risking their health but one person in particular really stood out.

Anthony Gonzalez has been furloughed for weeks from his job at the Salvation Army in Fairfax County, Virginia but still continues to come in every day to volunteer. He loves his job and helping others so much that he didn?t feel that being furloughed should stop him. Gonzalez is a jack of all trades that hands out food to those in need and even answers the phones when people need assistance.

The reason Easterns and ABC 7 formed ?Helping Hands? is for people like Gonzalez. Technically, he could just stay home but his love for others is what’s keeping him volunteering day in and day out. It is time that he is recognized for his own kindness and generosity. Jonathan Elias and the ABC 7 crew surprised Gonzalez at work with a personal message from Joel Bassam of Easterns. Bassam and the rest of the team at Easterns were so touched that Gonzalez continues to volunteer his time that they surprised him big time. Gonzalez received a $2,000 check donation from Easterns and ABC 7 to help out with his bills during this unprecedented time. Words can not express the level of appreciation he felt.

Watch the video to see how everything unfolded.

Helping Hands, powered by ABC 7 is always looking to help out people or organizations in need that are worthy of assistance. If you know someone that fits this description, please click here to nominate them.

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/FXmspNdOAMQ

Helping Hands – Surprising a 94-year-old woman that lost her home

Community,

Easterns Introduces Helping Hands Program

Easterns Automotive Group is known for their philanthropic efforts in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities. Yesterday, they announced their new Helping Hands segment partnership with ABC 7 (WJLA-TV). Helping Hands will be geared toward uplifting and helping those in need. To kick off the new segment, Robert and Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group decided they wanted to surprise a woman who was recently in the news. 94-year-old Rae Costanzo of Mechanicsville, Maryland made headlines last week for losing her home and dog in a tragic house fire. As if losing everything wasn?t already bad enough, her insurance company canceled her policy just days before the fire occurred. All of which happened without her knowledge. The insurance company did not warn or give Costanzo a heads up that the policy she had for 10 years was now canceled. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not have to send out cancellation letters in the state of Maryland. Costanzo?s son, Jimmy was unable to save their dog in the fire. It is such a tragic loss for the family because of course material things can be replaced but a loved pet cannot.
Easterns Automotive Group Donates to Local Fire Victim
When the team at Easterns Automotive Group saw Costanzo?s story on ABC 7, they wanted to step in and help. ABC 7 cameras were present when Robert Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group surprised the entire Costanzo family at the site of the deadly fire. Bassam surprised Costanzo with a check for $5,000 to help with her and her family?s efforts to rebuild the home. The whole family was overwhelmed with joy and excitement by the generosity of Easterns. There is a Go Fund Me posted for those that wish to donate to this deserving family. Please click here to learn more and make a contribution to their rebuild fund.
Helping Hands, powered by, Click here to nominate them for Helping Hands.