Lifelong Community Activist Receives Gift Of Warmth From Montco Company
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A company out of Harleysville, Montgomery County gave the gift of a warm home to a Southwest Philadelphia woman who has literally helped feed thousands over the last 40 years.
Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson has received hundreds of accolades for her work.
The awards, citations and photographs cover the walls of her home on Woodland Avenue.
"She's so devoted to what she does, she's so humble," says Leonard Johnson, Dr. Minnie's husband. "She never asks anyone for anything."
For years, the Johnsons' lived in their drafty four-story walk up, quietly struggling to stay warm in the winter.
"Our house is large," says Dr. Minnie, "so we have a lot of electrical heaters- 15 of them."
The Johnsons, who live on a fixed income, electric bill ran about $1500 a month in the winter.
Multiple heaters ran constantly in the kitchen, living area, bedroom and other rooms. In some instances, it looked somewhat dangerous.
"I told my husband we weren't going to go through this again," says Dr. Minnie.
So in comes Lowry Services, a family run heating and air conditioning company. They responded to the Johnsons' request for an estimate for a central air and heating system for their home.
"When they told us $18,000, we knew we couldn't afford it," says Johnson.
So David Schwaub, a Lowry salesman, asked president Steve Lowry to help.
Lowry prayed on it and the next day, offered the Johnson's a heating and air-conditioning system for free.
"I sensed that [God] wanted me to help these people," he says, "I mean- she's amazing."
The job took five days and included duct work, installation and state of the art equipment.
"And it'll all be done for Christmas," he says, giggling. "They deserve help, and I am happy to help people."
And it's a gift that will keep on giving.
The Johnsons' plan to donate the 15 space heaters they've been using in their home.
"We are so blessed," says Mr. Leonard, "and so grateful."
Warmth for two warm souls.
"I know that I won't be cold this winter," says Dr. Minnie, "and on Christmas Eve, I am going to have the most peaceful night's rest that I have in years... in years."
