It's a story of giving that means some area seniors will have happier new year. Faith In Action of the Quad Cities is a volunteer care giving program that was scheduled for shut down on the final day of 2009. But one man's faith in the support of others is keeping that from happening.

Les Johnson is what caregivers at Faith In Action call a "neighbor in need."

"We have quite a long background with Faith in Action and the services they provide," said Johnson. Johnson is among more than 60 other seniors in upper Rock Island County that depends on services, like transportation, housekeeping, and errand running.

Now, he says, he needs the help more than ever before. "Well I've, I've got lung cancer." With assistance from faith in action he intends to fight it. "I have to get radiation once, everyday, five days a week for six weeks," said Johnson.

On those days a volunteer picks Johnson up at his house in Port Byron in a handicapped accessible van to drive him to Genesis West Hospital in Davenport. "I don't know how else I could have ever taken the treatment. I probably would have to go to a nursing home," added Johnson.

Months ago, that seemed a likely possibility, when funds for Faith In Action" started to dwindle and directors realized it would have to close by the end of the year.

Elizabeth Saelens, Executive Director of Faith in Action says, "I first sent out letters to the people we take care of, our neighbors in need we call them, and to our volunteers."

"I was just shocked to hear that they were going to be extinct," said Johnson.

That sparked Johnson to write a letter of his own to members of the community, and soon after, "We started getting calls from donors," said Saelens. Three donors promised a total $20,000 if the community could match the funds. Just days ago it happened. "Of course it's given us a new lease now to start over," said Saelens.

It's a lifeline to keep Faith In Action open to help people like Les Johnson. He says, with five weeks left in his treatment, it may just be the fighting chance he needs in his battle with cancer. "They've been my action in faith," said Johnson.

Faith In Action is a nation wide service program with more than 600 chapters.