David Naso does more than help his elders cross the street — he shovels snow, changes light bulbs, cleans gutters and much more.

Aside from building and designing furniture at the Woodworkers shop he started more than 25 years ago, Naso devotes much of his free time to helping his elderly neighbors on Dearborn Street in Iowa City.

“I do it just because I think it’s a good thing to do,” he said. “I’m a high believer in what goes around, comes around.”

Naso noticed that others in the neighborhood have begun helping each another as well.

“If I’m shoveling a neighbor’s walkway, I often find someone else helping me out,” he said.

A few years ago, five neighbors chipped in money and bought a snow blower for use on the sidewalks and driveways. They also borrow each other’s tools.

“The things I do breeds a feeling of good will through the neighborhood,” he said. “It fosters that sort of close community.”

While Naso doesn’t expect anything in return for his good deeds, some neighbors buy him gift cards as a way of thanks.

“He is a very generous man,” neighbor and friend Geoffrey Lauer said. “I can’t even put into words how thankful I am to have him as my neighbor.”

Not only did Lauer meet his wife at Naso’s house, but he also decided to move to Dearborn Street so he could live near him.

When Naso can’t be found building rope swings for children in the neighborhood, he often is at the Iowa City Zen Center training people in the Zen Buddhist form of meditation. He also helps educate international visitors.

“I just like helping others,” he said. “I find joy in it.”

— Christine Rojewski

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