MARY
George, it's a miracle! It's a miracle!
She runs toward front door and flings it open. Ad lib SOUNDS of an excited crowd can be heard. Uncle Billy, face flushed, covered with snow, and carrying a clothes basket filled with money, bursts in. He is followed by Ernie, and about twenty more townspeople.
MARY
Come in, Uncle Billy! Everybody! In here!
Uncle Billy Mary and the crowd come into the living room. A table stands in front of George. George picks up Zuzu to protect her from the mob. Uncle Billy dumps the basketful of money out onto the table –– the money overflows and falls all over.
UNCLE BILLY
Isn't it wonderful?
The rest of the crowd all greet George with greetings and smiles.Each one comes forward with money. In their pockets, in shoe boxes, in coffee pots.
Money pours onto the table –– pennies, dimes, quarters, dollar bills –– small money, but lots of it. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Hatch push toward George. More people come in. The place becomes a bedlam. Shouts of "Gangway –– gangway" as a new bunch comes in and pours out its money. Mary stands next to George, watching him. George stands there overcome and speechless as he holds Zuzu. As he sees the familiar faces, he gives them sick grins. Tears course down his face. His lips frame their names as he greets them.
UNCLE BILLY (emotionally at the breaking point)
Mary did it, George! Mary did it! She told a few people you were in trouble and they scattered all over town collecting money. They didn't ask any questions –– just said "If George is in trouble –– count on me." You never saw anything like it.
Thanks for posting this. I will also send something to help. I hope other Freepers can pitch in, as we have done before when a soldier or his/her family is in need.