Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell
Verizon and ForgiveCO

 

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network

Verizon Erased $10 Million of Consumer Debt for 6,500 North Carolina Residents in Path of Hurricane Helene

By Good News Network–

Verizon teamed up with ForgiveCo to eliminate $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 Western North Carolinians who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s sweeping devastation.

The North Carolina families learned that Verizon—the world’s second-largest telecommunications company—cleared their medical, financial, and other debts with the help of ForgiveCo, whose “random acts of kindness” model purchases consumer debt with no applications required. In fact, the beneficiaries did not need to take further action.

Recipients were then notified through surprise letters, emails, and text messages.

But if a phone call learning that your debt has been cleared isn’t exciting enough, Basketball Hall of Fame coach and Asheville native Roy Williams has signed on to share the news with the impacted families.

“These are challenging times, but I’ve seen the strength and resilience of this community. Verizon’s support is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we’ll rise stronger,” said Mr. Williams.

“It’s a privilege to share this message of hope with the incredible people of North Carolina.”

The hurricane destroyed Shelley Queen’s home in Jackson County. Still, she was one of those touched by Verizon, having medical debt forgiven after she was diagnosed with diabetes, which turned her family’s life upside down.

John Middelkoop

“There were numerous hospital visits, including times I was in a coma and needed a pump to survive. These medical challenges have been difficult, both emotionally and financially. This forgiveness is truly a life-changing gift.”

Craig Antico, Founder and CEO of ForgiveCo, confirmed the debt relief, saying, “Through this effort, Verizon will bring transformative change to the lives of North Carolinians in crisis, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.”

Tim Luker, who also lives in Jackson County, has congestive heart disease and was hospitalized the day before the hurricane hit. Since then, he’s been working tirelessly to clean up lots of water damage, floor issues, and yard damage. “When I got out of the hospital, I couldn’t go home because of storm damage.”

“It means everything to me,” said Tim. “I don’t have much… $11,000 is life-changing for someone like me.”

“This makes a huge difference.”

The good news in this story is that a giant company is willing to help its customers in their time of need. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Giving by John W. Howell © 2025

A large company,

Finds out helping customers . . .

Is good for business.

84 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  13. I love when I hear of big corporations actually helping. And it feels like they are doing so for the good of the people, not to increase their bottom line.

    Wonderful JohnKu.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Unheard of in this day and age, even through struggles – you still have to pay. They’ve already gone through so much, nice of them to have a bit of a reprieve. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  18. This gladdens the heart. I knew that Roy Williams (we call him Coach Roy, one of the nicest people you could ever meet) had donated a lot of money. It will take years for this area of my state to recover, but the outpouring of help from people in this state is amazing. Everything from food, water purification systems. trailers, tiny homes, etc. The new Department of the Interior Secretary completed the reconstruction of I 40 through the mountains in 90 days, compared to the months predicted by the previous Secretary. We live in a great country.

    Like

  23. Wow!

    Once again you have provided us with the best in people, Boss. This venture, undertaken by Verizon with help from ForgiveCo is proof that the great good work of people is being done on the regular. And while I’ve been a critic of Roy Williams in the past, coach really came through here, with a message of hope and help for the people affected most of all. Good for everyone.

    Brilliant Friday work, as per

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Dear friends live in Asheville, and the devastation was horrific. Still, even though FEMA didn’t step in, the communities really helped each other. This story is wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Wow, John. I needed to read some good news and this one is a whopper for those living in Asheville. Corporations being kind happens, I guess, but we don’t see it often. What a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do. There’s hope.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. It appears at least 1 large business has remembered the #1 asset that any business has – Good Will. I learned that in college.

    A great report, definitely good news, and a fab JohnKu!

    𝒪𝒳 𝒪𝒳 𝒪𝒳

    Liked by 1 person

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  32. It’s so rare and wonderful to get good news these days. Bravo Verizon. Thanks for sharing, John.
    Cheers

    Like

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