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Feedback: Homeless to Happy in 24 Hours

Story Published: Feb 1, 2012 at 6:25 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2012 at 7:54 PM EDT

Randy Johnson is pretty well set in his new apartment in Watertown.

"Got a whole cooler full of stuff to go in the freezer," he said.

But 24 hours earlier, it didn't look so good.

"He had no furniture. He had nothing," said Heather Saski, director of social work at Carthage Area Hospital.

Randy was released from over a year of leg rehabilitation at CAH's skilled nursing unit.

He had no home until an apartment was lined up.

Then he had nothing to put in it.

"And I expected to have to go to the store this afternoon to buy essentials," said Randy.

Word of Randy's need spread like wildfire through the hospital on Tuesday.

Within four hours, workers, ranging from nurses to administrators, got more than enough donations for Randy to set up housekeeping.

There's furniture, a television, a bed, clothes and a pile of cash left over.

"So I went to Wal-Mart last night and spent $280 on food for him to get started," said Heather.

"Kinda dumb-founded, flabbergasted. I couldn't really believe it," said Randy.

"I was astounded at how much was given. It was absolutely amazing," said Heather.

Randy had one more surprise Wednesday - a visit from 7 News.

"This was the furthest thing from my mind and I get to meet John Moore," he said.

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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