Man wins $100K while working Sandy relief

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TRENTON, N.J., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A man who returned to his native New Jersey to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts won $100,000 from a scratch-off ticket while he was there.

John Turner, 38, who traveled from Chicago to New Jersey to help with relief efforts, said he bought a scratch-off ticket Sunday and soon realized he won $100,000 -- or about $70,000 after taxes -- from the Garden State lottery, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.

Turner, proprietor of National Catastrophe Solutions of Chicago, brought his equipment and know-how to help people empty out their flooded homes.

He said families who were hit particularly hard by the storm received his services free of charge.

"Some people didn't have insurance coverage," Turner said.

The Garden State lottery said officials were pleased to have Turner as a winner.

"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," the lottery director said in a statement.

Turner said he wants to give some of his winnings to a family hurting after the storm. He said the rest will go toward his business and his church.