STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders opened up hearts and wallets for panhandler and Willowbrook resident Joseph Kenny, his wife of 20 years and their two boys and two girls, ages 5 to 15 years old.

Less than 24 hours after Kenny's story appeared on SILive.com last Friday, the family already had a washer and dryer installed in their house, courtesy of a Westerleigh resident who works for FDNY. He delivered the appliances to the house himself and did not want his name published.

A speech pathologist at the Petrides School, Meghan Caffrey, set up an account on Go Fund Me -- the well-known online fundraising site -- after reading the story Friday, and also reached out to Kenny's wife for the clothing sizes of the four kids, with Christmas presents in mind for all of them.

At his habitual corner on Friday, the day the story was published, Kenny, 44, reported that various passing motorists -- touched after reading the story -- dropped off two gift cards, a 10-pound turkey, and a brand-new pair of men's boots.

"And one woman, crying, give me $20," he said, as she offered apologies for everything negative she had ever said about him.

Another Islander, Melanie Seidel, also set up a Go Fund Me account in Joseph Kenny's name.

A 27-year-old woman who lives in Prince's Bay contacted the Advance, explaining that her mother had recently purchased a new stainless-steel refrigerator and wanted to donate her side-by-side appliance to the family.

"I've been in need many times, and know what it's like to tell a teenager we can't,'' wrote one reader. "God bless and merry Christmas."

Several offers also came in to replace the family's broken stove.

And a local caterer promised to supply both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners for the family of six, Kenny reported.

Many readers emailed or called the Advance, saying they were touched by the story and wanted to know how to get money or gift cards to the family.

One request came from a former Island resident who wanted to help the family. "I used to live on Staten Island in Port Richmond. I went to McKee High School. It's my home town," she wrote in an email.

'THIS IS SO OVERWHELMING'

"This is so overwhelming -- I have no words," Kenny said in a phone conversation on Sunday.

He broke into prolonged sobs when he learned from a reporter that one person had emailed the Advance on Saturday with an offer to donate a 1997 Sebring convertible in excellent running condition.

"In theses times, it's very easy for everyone to think about themselves, and not others less fortunate," this car owner wrote. "I have just put over $4,000 into having the whole engine redone [and] timing belt, water pump, heads all redone as well as the computer.

"I just never wanted to part with it, but after reading your story I would give it to them gladly if they can use it. Mechanically everything works, air conditioning, the works. Only thing not working is the radio. Anyway, this car is 100% solid and I am not giving away a junk pile. Let me know if they could use it, as I would gladly be happy to give this to them if it could make their lives easier having a way to get around."

JOBS THE PRIORITY

Despite the skepticism of some readers who speculated that Kenny would rather panhandle daily than work at a job, he reiterated his quest for employment, using his varied skills -- from painting and skim-coating to Sheet-rocking and brick-laying -- acquired from working for contractors for many years.

"People want to buy presents for my wife and me, but we refuse, telling them to just get something for the kids," he said. "All I care about is a job."

Since the story was published, Kenny said that he has received a few offers of work: "A day here, a week there, and other possibles," he said Tuesday.

But he wants more than this occasional work; he hopes to land a full-time job.

His wife took to the Comments section of the first story and posted a plea for a part-time job for herself, writing:

"All I want is a shot at employment. My dream job is to be an ultrasound technician but we all know that takes a few years and my family's in dire need of immediate employment.

"If anyone is out there is willing to give me a shot as a secretary or receptionist (pension and medical benefits included) I swear to you that you won't regret it.

"I would prefer a job during school hours but any time will do. I am motivated, determined and hard working .... if you give me a shot I will be one of your most dedicated, loyal and valued employees by the time I retire many years from now.

"I know a lot of people are skeptical so please put your minds to rest and give me a shot at work. I see a lot of lies being written or maybe people are mistaking me for someone else, so I vow to give drug screenings and anything else you may need to help ease your mind that I am the person capable to handle the job that is offered to me.

"Please, this is one thing I ask for -- if this article can do one thing for us, this is it. So please let me prove myself to you all. Also any job would be acceptable if you have another offer other then a receptionist or secretary. I just need something to support a family of six.

Thank you all so much and have a happy holiday and keep your minds and heart open."

A College of Staten Island employee contacted the Advance on Monday, offering to help Kenny's wife obtain a part-time job at the college.

READER FEEDBACK

Some SILive.com readers took issue with the first story, writing -- among other criticisms -- that it was "inaccurate" and "filled with lies."

"Disgraceful. The reporter definitely got duped," one reader commented.

"He sure played this reporter that's for sure," wrote another.

But the majority of readers expressed opposite views.

"I see him -- he's so nice and appreciative," said Josephine, who lives in Westerleigh and has a 5-year-old daughter who attends nearby St. Rita's School. "I'm not wealthy, I have no money to spare. But at least you know where your money is going," she noted about her contributions to Kenny.

"I was so happy to read your story about Joe Kenny (or as I would call him, Bradley Joe)," one reader wrote Monday.

"I have been a friend of his for as long as he has been out there. Giving donations whenever I saw him. As you put it: a True Nice Guy Gentleman. I pray every day for him; that he gets a full-time job and can put his skills and brain to work."

This reader continued, summing up the sentiments of many who read the story:

"For those who disparage him in many ways, they are judging him based on profiling.

"They should talk to him one-on-one, and find out what a beautiful man he is. Doing whatever it takes to provide for his family -- wife and four kids -- is very commendable."

Another reader agreed, sending this email:

"I see him frequently .... He is a great guy with a great attitude and God has great plans for him. God knows what we don't. Every time I see him we speak a little until the light [at the intersection] changes."