WNEP-16 Reporter Elizabeth Worthington and Videographer Mike Cholko paid a surprise visit to Regulatory Compliance Specialist Ashley  Yando  DeFlice and Tax Manager Amy Yando at the Benco Dental home office. Their purpose: to learn more about an outpouring of holiday kindness the sisters experienced in their community. On Thursday, December 12, the news station reported the story.

https://wnep.com/2019/12/12/dunmore-cops-firefighters-deck-the-halls-of-stroke-victims-home/

John Yando, the dad of two Benco associates, Regulatory Compliance Specialist Ashley Yando DeFlice and Tax Manager Amy Yando, has long taken pride in decorating for the holidays at his home in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Two years ago, John experienced a serious stroke. Though he has made great strides with determination and the support of loving wife Julie and family, John, who turned 73 on Tuesday, no longer is able to continue the tradition of stringing countless yards of colorful garland, wreaths and lights to brighten his neighborhood.   

John Yando, center, the dad of two Benco associates, Regulatory Compliance Specialist Ashley Yando DeFlice (shown) and Tax Manager Amy Yando, has long taken pride in decorating for the holidays at his home in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Two years ago, John experienced a serious stroke and this season his community lent their support.

When John mentioned to Ashley that he felt disheartened and requested help, his youngest daughter recalled the outpouring of support their family received during her father’s recovery. “People were always asking what they could do to help, so I thought this might be a time to ask,” said Ashley. 

Last week, when Ashley shared a post to the Facebook group “You Know You’re from Dunmore” requesting assistance to decorate her parents’ home, she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

Last week, when Ashley Yando DeFlice shared a post (shown above) to the Facebook group “You Know You’re from Dunmore” requesting assistance to decorate her parents’ home, she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

 “I thought I would get a few people, and in the first hours, I received supportive comments,” she referred to the social media group with 6,062 followers. “Then, we got so much help, we were overwhelmed by the kindness.”  

Ashley said it was not long before she received a call from the Dunmore Police Department who offered assistance from Cadet program of the police and fire departments.  

On Saturday morning, Amy arranged for their mom to be away from home for a few hours and the volunteers began arriving.  Before long nearly 20 members of the community came out, including neighbors, an elementary schoolmate, the Cadets, among others.  

On Saturday, December 7, nearly 20 members of the community came out to help the Yando family decorate in Dunmore, including neighbors, an elementary schoolmate, the Dunmore Borough Police and Fire Department and Cadets, among others.  
John Yando watches from inside his Dunmore home as friends from the community continue his holiday decorating tradition.

“Our mom had been feeling overwhelmed and having trouble getting into the spirit of the season,” said Amy. 

When she arrived home, their mom, Julie was awestruck and delighted.

On Saturday morning, Amy Yando arranged for her mom Julie to be away from home for a few hours and the volunteers began arriving to decorate. Here she arrives on the scene.

“I am extremely proud of my sister for reaching out to the community to help us and even prouder of the individuals who volunteered. I am grateful to be part of the Dunmore community,” said Amy.  

On Saturday, December 7, nearly 20 members of the community came out to help the Yando family decorate in Dunmore, including neighbors, an elementary schoolmate, the Dunmore Borough Police and Fire Department and Cadets, among others.  

 Ashley and Amy offered gratitude to all, especially the Fire and Police departments and neighbors Jim Becchetti and Nicole Archangeli and her two children, Natalia and Gianni. 

-Editorial Intern Sean Mickalitis contributed to this story.