AOA Cleaning and Restoration was contacted by Giants of Generosity — a Cresskill-based nonprofit organization that's been working with the Kennedy family for nearly a year — and agreed to help the family of seven without hesitation.
"Being a parent, the first thing that jumped out at me was that there were five kids living at home," said Grau of West Orange. "All of us are parents — our ownership, management and guys who did the work — so we wanted to make sure the kids were safe."
Grau and his technicians removed the soaked carpeting and the water that the family was unable to with a shop-vac to keep mold from spreading.
They then applied antimicrobial agents.
AOA Cleaning and Restoration placed drying equipment on the carpeting for several days to make sure the area was properly cleaned "without ill effects on their health," Grau said.
Giants of Generosity, which made the connection, is dedicated to helping people who are experiencing critical, life-altering situations.
"Business that offer their services are an invaluable part of what we do," said D. Jane Albanese, its CEO and executive director. "You have to ask and people are willing to step up... it's just an amazing phenomenon."
Grau said he'd appreciate someone helping him should he find himself in a similar situation.
"I would also hope if my kids are in a position to help that they would do so," he said. "And what better way than to lead by example?"
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