As Thanksgiving approaches, the last thing anyone wants is a malfunctioning refrigerator, especially when preparing to host a family feast. Unfortunately, this was the reality for a suburban woman who found herself without a working fridge for nearly a month. It wasn’t until she reached out to the ABC7 I-Team that her concerns were addressed.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Back in October, the I-Team uncovered a surge of grievances directed at Sears Home Services. Many customers reported enduring long waits for repairs that were supposed to be covered under warranty, and facing repeated cancellations.

Prompted by the I-Team’s investigation, even more individuals came forward with similar stories, including an 87-year-old woman left without refrigeration. Her plight underscores the critical nature of timely service, particularly for the elderly.

Pat Galla, along with her daughter Chris Sobush, had anticipated that their Sears Home Services warranty would ensure a quick fix for their appliance woes. Unfortunately, they found themselves caught in a frustrating cycle until media intervention prompted action.

After the I-Team’s report, more viewers reached out. Including an 87-year-old woman who was without a refrigerator.

Pat Galla and her daughter Chris Sobush say Galla was counting on their “Sears Home Services” warranty to get the fridge fixed.

“I’m 87-years-old, my husband’s 89,” Galla said. “So, you know, it’s very difficult to get to the store or anything too.”

A technician came to diagnose the problem, but they say that’s where the service stalled.

“So, he ordered some parts and that was the last I saw of him,” Galla said.

Then she says two weeks later, different technicians arrived but with the wrong part.

“I called the company, and they said we’ll get somebody out as soon as we can,” the 87-year-old said.

Galla’s daughter says scheduled repair appointments kept disappearing.

“So, the system wasn’t scheduling the maintenance even though my mother was putting everything into the system correctly through the phone,” Sobush said.

“Three weeks passed, and I still hadn’t had anybody here,” Galla said. “I saw your program in television and decided to call you because it was going on 30 days.”

Galla saw our first investigation last month, when we talked to two people with similar complaints.

RELATED | Customers say Sears Home Services drags out repair requests, cancels appointments last-minute