Area resident finds success, frustration in effort to do a good deed

Blain Schilreff spends much of his day in Sidney, working for Cabela's. But he also serves on the Kimball Community Concert Committee.

That's where he got to know Carol Jo Nagel as she became a regular at the concerts. One day, she was not in attendance and it raised questions. Schilreff learned that Nagel was at home because her car had broken down and did not want to trouble anyone for a ride, even to her job at George Risk Industries.

Nagel is not in the best of health. She lives paycheck to paycheck, thus being unable to afford necessary repairs, or a new car.

Nagel played bingo every Saturday and the piano at the Kimball Senior Center every Sunday after church. She has not been able to continue doing these things that bring joy to her.

Schilreff was distraught. He could not sleep that night because he had a feeling that he needed to do something for this kind woman he had gotten to know over a number of years.

Schilreff decided that he was going to raise money to purchase Nagel a car.

“I wanted to be reassured the humanity still existed in America,” Schilreff said. “I want people to know that we all can do good regardless of our color, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. We are all equal and all matter in this life. Good people are everywhere and we all can have a positive effect, and I will prove that in time.”

He posted a note to his Facebook page explaining his mission and received an overwhelming response within the first hour. His friends and family have shared his post and caused the mission to go viral. He has received donations from six states (Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming) amounting to $1,710 after only nine days. The average sum received per day is $200.

Schilreff is accepting donations until November 22, and plans to surprise Nagel with the car on November 23.

Schilreff plans to raise a minimum of $3,000 and hopes to find a car dealer that will match it. Exceeding his goal would make him ecstatic.

He has run into two critical problems along the way: disbelief and backlash. Many potential supporters have called to make sure Schilreff’s cause is legitimate.

“Everyone thinks that a good deed is a scam,” Schilreff said.

He is appalled that so many are in disbelief that someone could do something nice for another and not expect anything in return.

The second issue is that people in the community are upset that Schilreff picked Nagel and that he’s not planning on buying a cheaper vehicle.

When Nagel’s first car broke down, her church helped her raise money to buy another. However, both of these cars were purchased for small sums due to the fact that they were very used and in turn, broke down not long after. Nagel is 59, and Schilreff wants her to have a car that will last for more than a few years as she has a lot of life ahead of her.

“I can only help one person at a time,” Schilreff said.

Schilreff has always enjoyed helping others. Growing up in Wyoming, he would buy his elderly neighbors things at yard sales with his allowance, just to put a smile on their faces. He has helped others with chores and yard work throughout his life and asked for nothing in return.

“It’s not about just buying a car,” Schilreff stated.

Schilreff wants to continue his mission after the car is purchased for Nagel. He wishes to start a Pay it Forward branch in Kimball.