Pine Island neighbors help family the moment they needed it the most

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

They say home is where the heart is. For Jackie and David Vinson, that is on Pine Island.

"People are always doing that. They go above and beyond for their neighbors," said Jackie.

That support is felt every day. It's felt in the small gestures like a wave hello and in the heavier moments, when the family needs it the most.

A month ago, David and their 3-year-old son, Heath, took their daily trip to the Publix off Pine Island Road when David passed out in the parking lot.

"I think I remember taking a couple of steps and then I was waking up in the emergency room," said David. "I was waking up, looking around like, 'Oh, I'm in the emergency room.'"

When Jackie received the news, she just hoped David and her son were OK.

"I was just ... I had no idea what happened," said Jackie.

"I have four kids, so I know what it's like," said Publix store manager Jon Peralto. "As a parent, it's very heart-wrenching."

Peralto watched as his employees, first responders and people on the street took care of the family.

"Employees were there sitting on the ground with Heath, playing with toys," said Jackie. "Police officers were like, 'Can we help with anything?' I didn't even ask; they just started unloading the bags from his truck into my car. It was so comforting. I just felt like I had all the help in the world, which was really nice."

In a world where we often focus on the bad in place of the good, this community proves there is still a lot of good to see if we choose.

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