Community gives generously to family

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The new reality is still sinking in for the Powell family of Massachusetts Avenue.

Delores Powell said, "I'm thanking God for everyone who come out here, who worked tirelessly."

The first thing that the kids noticed when they walked into their new home?

Gabrielle exclaimed, "It's warm!"

And not only warm but everything inside is brand new, thanks to corporate and private donations.

Rich Products is filling the family's freezer for a year and the generosity didn't stop there.

West Herr Ford presented the Powell family with a new 2010 Ford Fusion.

"Can one human heart take so much excitement?" asked Dolores.

She was about to find out after Canisius College made a stunning announcement.

Everyone in the family, including Delores is getting full tuition to attend college for four years.

Delores said she's been thinking about her own mother and her struggle raising a family in Jamaica.

"A mom with 13 children and her own struggle to survive and teach us the values of life and had passed on a legacy that will never die," Dolores remarked.

And many are hoping the efforts here don't die when the cameras are gone.

Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown said, "We've gotta keep it going, right? We're not gonna stop here."

The idea is to keep the momentum created on Massachusetts Avenue going and David Stapleton of David Homes and volunteers made a pledge on Sunday to do that.

Stapleton said, "There's been some who've said this is about suburbanites coming into the city because of their guilt for what they have and that's not what this is about. This is about people who want to help others."

Delores explained, "This is where I want to be."