New well for woman in need

John Alvarez, left, Sharon Lawson and well driller Jeff Sheppard, talk about the well Sheppard finished drilling on Tuesday February 3, 2015 in Ocala, Florida.

Just a week ago, Sharon Lawson, 71, was overwhelmed. Her well had all but collapsed, sending muddy water through her pipes.

As she cares for her developmentally disabled sister, who is age 67 with the mental age of a kindergartner, Lawson had no financial means to pay the $5,000 expense to replace the 40-year-old well.

When news hit last week about her dilemma, more than a dozen people began calling her home and offering to help pay for a new well. Even the city of Ocala reached out to Lawson, who lives about a mile from Wild Waters in Silver Springs.

On Tuesday, Lawson was all smiles, watching Jeff Sheppard Well Drilling install a new well on her property.

I can't believe how many people have offered their help, Lawson said. I want to publicly thank everyone who called and sent money.

Two men in particular, Don Dery of Ocklawaha and John Alvarez of Ocala, agreed to split the cost of the $4,000 well and $1,000 worth of new pipe to connect to the house and the electric lines needed to connect the pump.

I read the story and I just wanted to help her, Dery said. Those were terrible living conditions. It is nice to help people when I have the chance.

Alvarez, a relative of former Ocala Police Chief Kenneth Alvarez, said he didn't do it for the publicity, but believes in helping people when he can.

I'm grateful that I was able to help, Alvarez said. And she really needed it.

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New well for woman in need