Josh Cyagnik, a train inspector in Oregon, waved to 75-year-old Leonard Bullock and his wife, Dorothy, every morning during his workday. But the two never spoke -- until Cyagnik heard a few local teenagers make ugly comments about Bullock's home.
One July day, Cyagnik heard the two kids mocking Bullock's ramshackle house, saying that it should be burned down because it was in such disrepair.
"I could see the look on Leonard's face," Cyagnik said. "I could tell the comment bothered him."
So Cyagnik decided to take action. After gathering construction materials and supplies from a few colleagues, he posted a plea for help on Facebook. Even though his Facebook page is private, the post spread quickly -- eventually reaching more than six thousand shares.
"After we had it all figured out," Cyagnik said, according to the Daily Mail, "I went and asked Leonard if it would be all right if we painted his house. He was ecstatic."
On the morning of the painting project, around 20 volunteers were present to assist. By the end of the day, more than 100 people pitched in -- providing labor, food, drinks and monetary donations.
In addition to the paint job, volunteers are working on a new porch for Bullock and his wife. They're also in search of a roofer to renovate the couple's roof.
"Yeah, it was a random act of kindness," said Cyagnik. "But to me it's more about respect.
"Everyone has it in their heart to do things like this," he added.