During trying times like these, it’s easy to lose faith in humanity. That’s why it’s so heartwarming that one small town in Missouri just did something that is sure to remind you that there really are still good people out there in the world.

Marilyn Villegas is a disabled veteran who lives in Odessa, Missouri with her husband and three children, and they tragically lost everything when their home burned down in a fire last Sunday. Though the town of Odessa is currently on a stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic, of which their are twenty confirmed cases in the country, the locals still stepped up to rally behind the Villegas family in a big way.

“Our home was still on fire when our neighbors first came over and offered shoes and coats,” Marilyn told Fox News. “This was a blessing because none of us had any shoes on or sweatshirts.”

Marilyn and her husband, who is a construction worker at the Kansas City VAMC, are the parents to a 10-year-old son, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old girl. Even though two of their children are too young to attend school, the school district offered them free meals, and the family was also offered donated food and clothes as well as temporary child care.

Marilyn was shocked by the amount of love and support her family received from the community.

“We were overwhelmed by the offers of assistance and our neighbors coming to the front of our property to pray with us,” she said “The offers meant the world to us. I’m in awe of how much our town came together during a time where everyone is struggling and scared.”

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The Villegas family is used to their fair share of struggles, as Marilyn’s 38 year-old husband has a severe skin condition that he has been trying to get treatment for over the past three years with little success. He recently paid a visit to the Mayo Clinic to explore more treatment options, and his family is cautiously optimistic about his chances of finally resolving this issue.

This fire could have completely knocked the Villegas family down, but Marilyn said it has instead renewed her faith in humanity.

“This pandemic has renewed my faith in America’s resolve and willingness to help our fellow man. Our small, rural community is no different,” she said. “While we are devastated that our home is gone, I am filled with gratitude and hope for what’s to come.”

Instead of only looking at this pandemic as a tragedy, we should view it as an opportunity to be there for one another and help our neighbors through this. We are all in this together, and if we all support one another, we will make it through to the other side of this in no time.

This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.

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