A pizza delivery person’s kind intervention saved the life of one her customers — her caring nature really went above and beyond any food delivery person. Angela Nguyen couldn’t have known how much of an important role she would play in 76-year-old Lee Haase’s life when, after delivering a regular order to the man every Saturday, she suddenly noticed something devastating about his living situation and that he needed help.
Angela explained of this regular customer: “He likes to order every Saturday. About 10:15 you are going to get an order from Lee.”
Unfortunately, Lee’s house suffered significant damage after a storm that ripped off most of his roof. He was unable to afford the necessary repairs and the home became unlivable. On top of his bleak situation, he had also lost his son unexpectedly after he was involved in a snowmobile accident. Devastated and unable to live in his home, he moved into a 12-foot camper where he lived alone, without heat, plumbing, or electricity.
Angela’s daughter, Sarah, who is also a delivery person, noticed where Lee was living and told her mother about it. Angela was determined to help in any way she could, explaining: “I thought we got to do something. We got to do something. We can’t let a human being live like this.”
Angela told USA Today: “Lee has told me that he’s pretty much given up on life,” explaining, “When I first delivered to him, it was summertime, so I wasn’t quite as concerned.”
She added: “Living in this trailer with no heat, no sanitation whatsoever — he has no toilet — no water, nothing, is not acceptable to me.”
She started by buying Lee a heater for the trailer, then created a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the money he so desperately needed. She couldn’t have expected just how generous people would be and, within two months time, she had raised $32,000 which helped Lee buy a home.
Angela said of the tremendous generosity of the community (and some far-flung donors): “Every single one of us enjoyed doing this. This ain’t all for Lee. We all benefited.”
In the video, Angela’s daughter explains to Lee: “You remember when this started and I promised you we were going to help you? Merry Christmas.” With a fully furnished trailer and clothes donated by the community, Lee was finally in a good place, as he explained, “It’s wonderful. I’m so grateful for the people doing this.”
Lee also told USA Today: “It’s hard to explain [how I feel]. Just pretty awesome.”
Among those who commented on the video, was one person who said: “This is absolutely amazing. It brought me to tears, what a wonderful community! God bless Lee and everyone who helped raise all that money!”
Another commenter pointed out: “Look at her… now you know what the face of an angel looks like! (note: judging from her job, I think it is safe to say that she is not wealthy with money, but she chose to start a project to help another human being that she didn’t even know well.).”