Ep 3. Donna Decorates

Donna Reed Show season 3 episode 3 titled Donna Decorates is a heartwarming family sitcom that revolves around the life of Donna Stone, a loving mother, and housewife, who manages her family of four with grace, patience, and a good sense of humor. In this episode, Donna's decorating abilities and her caring nature are put to test when she decides to help a lonely elderly neighbor spruce up her rundown home.

The episode begins with Donna Stone (Donna Reed) and her husband Alex (Carl Betz) taking their two teenage children, Mary (Shelley Fabares) and Jeff (Paul Petersen) to a charity event. There, Donna meets Mrs. Appleby, an elderly widow who lives alone in a dilapidated house in their neighborhood. Mrs. Appleby, who is kind but lonely and overwhelmed by years of living in poverty, is smitten with Donna's warmth and kindness, and she invites her over for tea.

When Donna visits Mrs. Appleby, she is heartbroken to see the terrible condition of her house. The walls are peeling, the lights are dim, and the furniture is falling apart. Donna is immediately inspired to help her neighbor by giving her home a complete makeover. She enlists the help of her family and friends, and they all pitch in to clean, paint, and decorate the house.

Donna's family, including Mary and Jeff, are initially hesitant to get involved in the project. They are worried that their mother is taking on too much and that Mrs. Appleby might not appreciate their efforts. However, Donna's tenacity and unwavering commitment to helping out their neighbor win them over, and they all start to lend a hand. Mary helps Donna pick out new curtains, while Jeff helps Mrs. Appleby with her garden.

As they work on the house, the Stones and their friends learn more about Mrs. Appleby's history. She tells them about her past and how she was once a talented painter, but that her art is now collecting dust in the attic. Donna encourages her to start painting again and helps her set up a makeshift studio in her basement.

Throughout the project, Mrs. Appleby is touched by the kindness and generosity of Donna and her family. She realizes that there are people who care about her, and that she is not alone in the world. This realization helps her regain her confidence and self-worth, and she starts to embrace life once again.

The episode reaches its heartwarming conclusion when Donna unveils the newly decorated house to Mrs. Appleby. The old widow is overwhelmed with emotion, and tears stream down her face as she sees her home transformed into a beautiful living space. She gives Donna a hug and thanks her for giving her a new lease on life.

Donna Decorates is a touching and meaningful episode that showcases the spirit of community and the power of kindness. It sheds light on the importance of reaching out to those in need and the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The show's message is uplifting and inspiring, and it reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and empathy in our daily lives.