Sandy clean-up volunteer hits the jackpot

UNDATED (WHDH) -- A former New Jersey resident and business owner had some good karma on his side while helping with the Superstorm Sandy cleanup.

John Turner hit the jackpot after serving the community in his former state and now, he's once again helping the victims of sandy.

Turner is back home in the south suburbs of Chicago, but he'll never forget what he saw on the east coast.

"Whole half of houses gone. We saw houses moved down the streets, vehicles turned over,” he said.

The 38-year-old runs a water removal business called national catastrophe solutions of Chicago.

He and his staff cleaned up homes flooded by Superstorm Sandy including some for free for homeowners who'd lost everything.

"Some people didn't have insurance coverage. Some people never would have expected this. It's one of those 100 years deals,” said Turner.

It was last Sunday, after a hard day of cleanup, that turner bought this New Jersey lottery scratch off ticket.

With a flick of the wrist he became $100,000 richer.

"Just shock, like this is not happening. Like this is not real,” he said.

"He couldn't believe it. He wanted a lot of confirmation from us, and just called a lot of family and told everybody the good news,” said Joshua Rivera.

In a statement, the state's lottery director said: "we are very grateful that John has given his time and skills to help the people dealing with the challenges brought on by Sandy and that New Jersey is giving a memorable thank you back to him."

After taxes, the winnings amount to about $70,000 dollars, which he hopes to invest in his business, give to his church, and…

"A portion of it, we're going to donate it to someone or some family that's in need,” said Turner.

"He deserves it. He's a good-hearted man. I couldn't think of anybody better to win it than John,’ said Rivera.

Turner, who was born in New Jersey, said his thoughts are still with those struggling after Sandy.

"It’s a saddening situation. It's really, really sad. So we hope they get back to normal as quickly as possible,” he said.