FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. (CBS) — People who saw an ad on Craigslist thought it was too good to be true: A house full of possessions, free for the taking. But it was true and about fifty people showed up Saturday morning and cleared the place out, reports WBBM’s Mike Krauser.

Man Gives Away House Full Of Possessions In Franklin Park

In the 3200 block of Dora Street in Franklin Park, Brian Bagnall gave away a house full of possessions that his mother, who has moved away, no longer needs.

“We had to get rid of a bunch of stuff and instead of just donating it to Salvation Army, all those places, they sell it, so we thought we would meet the people directly that need it,” said Bagnall.

Brian’s girlfriend Tiffany came up with the idea.

“Brian had written a book and I was actually the editor for it and it is called, ‘The Happiness Bible,’ and just reading the book just really makes you think about what you have and how you can help other people and basically what you put out comes around six-fold,” she said.

Brian did not alert Newsradio to sell books, it was someone who saw the ad on Craigslist.

“Happiness is not something that comes from outside of you, it is kind of a choice that you make,” said Bagnall.

He certainly created some happiness for those who came to his house.

And he certainly created some happiness for those who showed up and carted off beds and furniture, kitchen supplies and other things.

A man identifying himself as Ramasomie, said, “This is a great thing. A lot of people need stuff to start their life with and he’s doing a great job. We’re very thankful for that.”

The man’s wife, like many others, thought it was too good to be true. She was pleasantly surprised.