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Las Vegas family's actions show Thanksgiving spirit

Posted at 11:14 PM, Nov 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-24 02:28:00-05

A 13 Action News crew went to the home of local plumber for tips on how to avoid an expensive problem but what they found turned out to embody the Thanksgiving spirit.

"This is like the worst thing you can put down, the turkey fat," said plumber Troy Winkel.

Winkel is the owner of Drain Busters.  Knowing plumbing issues can be a problem around the holidays, Winkel agreed to do an interview with Channel 13 on Thanksgiving night.  He says it is one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers. 

To keep your drains running freely, he says you should refrain from putting large items down the garbage disposal.  Pasta, coffee grounds, and egg shells can also cause a clog.

In the midst of his lessons, a young man named Denny, caught the eye of our crew.

Denny, who has  Down syndrome, was seated at Winkel's dinner table.

His innocence and kindness captured the heart of our crew.

13 Action News found out that Denny was not a blood relative of the Winkel's.

"His family was wanting him to be taken care of," said Debby LaRocca, " ...so we chose to go into the foster care system."

That was 17 years ago.  Denny spends most weekends and the holidays with the family now. 

"We're here for a purpose, and it's to make the world a better place," said LaRocca.

A better place by opening your heart and being grateful for your family.

"Family is everything," said Winkel, "...it's all you've got at the end."