South Kingstown, R.I. – When 62‑year‑old David Girasole called for help clearing his family home on Juniper Lane, he received an unexpected answer from a local entrepreneur. Henry Milder, a 22‑year‑old Exeter native who founded HM Home Improvement a year and a half ago, visited the property, assessed the clutter, and pledged to complete a whole‑house cleanout free of charge.
From farm roots to community service
Milder grew up on a farm, doing yard work with his family before moving into construction. “I’ve always wanted to work for myself and offer a range of services – house cleanouts, garage cleanouts, landscaping – so if people need help they can call me,” he explained.
A hard‑won struggle
Girasole, a lifelong resident of the house his parents built in 1974, has faced a series of personal tragedies. His wife, Tracy Frazer‑Girasole, died by suicide ten years ago after battling depression. The loss doubled his bills and left him struggling to maintain the home he and his wife had lived in for decades.
Once a house painter, Girasole’s business slowed with age, making it harder to climb ladders and keep up with repairs. “The clutter got so bad my mind can’t deal with it,” he said. “I thought I had to sell the house because it was depressing to stay there.”
Finding a helping hand
After unsuccessfully trying to sell items on Facebook Marketplace, Girasole searched for junk‑removal services and found Milder’s company online. Milder arrived, spent more than two hours discussing the job, and then told Girasole he would do the cleanout for free. “He didn’t believe me at first, but I promised to come back and finish the work,” Milder recalled.
Community rallying
To spread the word, Milder posted a video of Girasole’s story and launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the widower transition to a studio apartment with his pet parrot, Roxy. The fundraiser quickly attracted donations, and local businesses stepped in: Crest Management provided free dumpsters, and employees from William Lawrence Builders volunteered their time.
On a Sunday, Milder, his part‑time crew, friends, and additional volunteers arrived at the house. They removed bulk items, cleared out years of accumulated belongings, and helped Girasole let go of possessions that held emotional weight. “It’s hard for him to say goodbye to some things, but we told him we have to get them out of sight, out of mind,” Milder said.
Impact and gratitude
Girasole expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected kindness. “He’s only 22, but he and his friends are all so nice, wanting to help me. We met once, and now we’re friends for life,” he said.
The effort also drew attention from other local service providers. Several cleaning companies reached out, and a therapist offered counseling services to Girasole, addressing the mental‑health strain the clutter had caused.
Local values in action
This story exemplifies the spirit of community service that thrives in South Kingstown. A young entrepreneur, motivated by his upbringing and faith in hard work, chose to use his skills to lift a neighbor out of a difficult situation, reinforcing the town’s tradition of neighborly care and generosity.
Residents who wish to contribute to the GoFundMe or volunteer for future clean‑up projects can follow the link provided in Milder’s video description.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
