HOUSTON – Houstonians showed they have Texas-sized hearts after 11 News aired a story about a lonely senior citizen who recently lost his wife.
Charles Sanchez, 76, is homebound and suffering from diabetes. He told 11 News on Wednesday that this will be his first Christmas without his wife of 36 years, and that all he had to keep him company was an old TV.
After hearing his story, an 11 News viewer gave Sanchez a newer TV the next day.
“I really want to live now. People have been nice to me,” Sanchez said about the attention he received.
Other 11 News viewers responded as well. Interfaith Ministry’s shelves had been empty just 24 hours earlier, but on Thursday the hallways were brimming with gifts.
Judy Bruner at Interfaith Ministries said she needed a wheel barrow to haul in all of the Christmas gifts that were donated for seniors who participate in Meals on Wheels.
She said with 4,500 seniors receiving Meals on Wheels daily, there are many Mr. Sanchez's in Houston.
“There are a lot. And we all know a whole bunch. It's just hard not to think about this time of year,” Bruner said.
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