Residents of Garland voluntarily take people to the store, pull cars out of ditches during ice

GARLAND, TX (CBSDFW.COM) – You may not want to go out in this weather, but most North Texas residents need it for food, recipes, work, and a host of other important reasons.

In Garland, over the past 48 hours, several volunteers have come to the aid of a large number of people.

It rained and iced throughout the day, making it difficult to clear roads and highways.

Instead of putting yourself in harm’s way and trying to ride it, you can turn to some of the winter storm warriors who can get you where you’re going or get what you need.

Patrick Abell couldn’t show or sell houses, so the Garland realtor decided to spend the last two days driving his 4×4 jeep on icy roads to help those who can’t get around safely.

“Pull people out of ditches, make them walk, collect food,” Abell said. “Someone has to do it, these people are afraid to come out, and the community needs it.”

Abell says he has made about five grocery and recipe trips for strangers stuck at home.

He was also driven to work eight times, including this medical worker.

But most impressive are the 60 cars he hauled out of the ditches, including two 18-wheelers.

“I like helping others,” he said. “Today I hired a few people who couldn’t come.”

Daughter Abella says she is proud of her father, who says he won’t accept money even from those who offer it.

It’s an experience that Abell says several of his friends have followed suit and also volunteer free transportation and delivery until it’s safe to drive.

“The vast majority of the positive feedback is that people love it and that makes me happy. It’s nice to help people,” Abell said.

There are many Good Samaritans like Abell that you can find on neighborhood social media and communities.