Residents of Tucker have recently embodied “community spirit” by helping one of their own after a tragic accident.

Eli Tabb, a former employee of the Roly Poly and Starbucks in Tucker, was hit by a car and left paralyzed from the waist down in October. Shortly after, Nancy Qarmout, owner of the Roly Poly in Tucker, set up the Friends for Eli webpage with the help of Jacob Dodd.

“He always went above and beyond, and when this happened it affected every single one of us … so we were all compelled to do what we could do to help,” said Qarmout.

Having worked closely with the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District project, Qarmout had come to know Chris Brand, president of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children based in Stone Mountain, and reached out to him on behalf of Tabb.

In return, the organization donated some home medical equipment — a raised toilet seat and shower transfer — to assist Tabb in his recovery.

“He really didn’t have all the resources he needed,” said Brand. “Because he’s local we wanted to do everything we could.”

Tabb was grateful for the outpouring of support he has received and was told about the efforts shortly after he woke from an induced coma.

“Honestly I never would have expected for so many people to be as helpful and responsive as they are,” said Tabb.

“Who would have known that my little contribution to my Roly Poly family would make such a difference in people’s lives.”

Tabb, who still does not remember the accident, lives with his cousin, who he added has been a huge help in his recovery with some everyday tasks as well as taking him to and from doctors’ appointments.

On his recovery, Tabb said he likes to call it a “journey” and added every day there is a new obstacle he has to figure out, like perfecting his opening of the front door skills.

“I think in general I’ve been able to do anything I was able to do before, it just takes so much longer,” he said.

For information on how you can help, visit www.friendsforeli.com.