On Sundays I talk about individuals who we can all admire and praise. This week this individual is Jhontel Jackson, a 34-year-old content creator from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When he drove through his neighborhood, he noticed a collapsed fence that had clearly been neglected for years. The posts were completely rotten, and the entire fence was in desperate need of replacement.
Basically Jhontel had two choices … do something or do nothing.
From The Bright Story:
“Rather than ignoring it, Jackson decided to take action. ‘I saw that she needed help, and I knew that if she could afford a new fence, she would’ve already had one.’
Jackson didn’t know much about the homeowner—just that she was a single mother taking care of her kids and her own mother. However, as he soon found out, the woman had been through much more than just a broken fence. She had recently been in an accident that completely totaled her car and caused serious neck injuries. Adding to her struggles, the woman had also lost her husband about three years ago.
When Jackson offered to build a new fence for free, the woman was taken aback. ‘She was completely surprised that I was willing to do it for free. She was also overwhelmed because she had previously received quotes for the job that were well over $6,000,’ Jackson recalled.
Without hesitation, Jackson went ahead and built the fence for free.
The total cost for the project was ‘just over $2,000,’ a price Jackson was happy to pay. ‘That’s because everything I use is built to last, so they never have to worry about the fence falling over again,’ Jackson said.
After completing the work, Jackson didn’t stick around to see the mother’s reaction. ‘As soon as I was done, I was off to help the next person. That’s just how it goes for me—I rarely get to interact much with the people I help.’
A double bonus … he did it for free, and he didn’t stick around for any accolades!
3/23/25