Good Samaritans help family after house ransacked

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A mother and daughter came forward to help a heartbroken woman and her family after their home was ransacked and robbed.

Schanttia Miller feels like her luck has improved. Mary Perez and her daughter Patty Chillon are the reason why.

Monday, the mother of three was devastated after someone broke into her Miami apartment and stole all they could: electronics, furniture, even clothing, shoes, and food for her Thanksgiving meal. "They pushed the window up," said Miller, "and it came open. I called my landlord because since I moved in here, I've complained about my windows, and I wanted some bars cause the window doesn't lock. They never fixed the windows."

"We may have gone overboard, but I'm sorry," said Perez. For the mother and daughter, Schanttia's story hit too close to home not to do something, so they packed up their SUV and stopped by. "I saw the three little girls, you know, and I was a single mom," said Perez, "and I can just relate to something like this happening, and you know, just watching her and seeing the little girls. Today, I just talked to my daughters, and we kinda just did it."

"We struggled growing up," said Chillon. "She was always teaching us the positive things in life, and she continues to do so by reaching out and helping people."

They donated food, clothes, electronics, even something sparkly for Miller's three daughters.

As police continue their investigation, the women have found they have more to be thankful for this season; passion. "I'm so glad that I was able to help you," said Chillon.

"Thank you, I'm glad too," said Miller. "I'm not only thankful that you all could help me, but that I got to meet ya'll."

And, as luck would have it, Essie "Big Mama" Reed, was in the neighborhood at Hadley Park offering Miller even more for her Thanksgiving table.

Big Mama was on her way to Dania Beach Tuesday afternoon. She gave away over 2,000 turkeys on Tuesday.

Miller and her family are incredibly grateful for all of the support.

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