Those relatives, members of the Native American Munsee Tribe, escaped here in 1763 on the run from the Paxton Boys, vigilante settlers from eastern Pennsylvania on a murderous rampage. Philadelphians rallied to protect tribal members who had been living peacefully in Bethlehem, Pa.

"The only reason that the Munsee Tribe survived at all is because of the Quakers and others living in your wonderful city took up arms to protect them," Waring told me in an e-mail. "Though it was in winter time, and many didn't survive the trek, they were grateful to the city for at least giving them a chance. That's why I love coming to Philly. It's a way, in these tough times, for me to give a little something back."

Unfortunately, during her last visit here Waring wound up giving back more than she'd bargained for.

It was Labor Day weekend and Waring's daughter needed to use a restroom. She parked near the Art Museum, not realizing it was closed. She and her three kids set off in search of a bathroom. Upon their return, they discovered that their minivan had been vandalized. The front locks on both doors were broken and two Acer laptops were missing.

Waring and her three kids returned home, disturbed by the robbery. Looking to vent her frustration, Waring e-mailed the Daily News and described what happened.

"That might not seem like a big deal but this family labored to purchase [the computers] for my son who is autistic and one for the twins," she wrote. "My son rarely laughs, but every so often, when he's watching an old TV show on YouTube.com, you can hear him let loose with a burst of laughter. Such a joy for me to hear. I don't know when we will be able to replace them if ever."

The Waring family doesn't have cable TV or a lot of resources for other entertainment. Waring, who is divorced, works in a plant where her job is to grind imperfect plastic bottles. Her son James Austin, 14, has Aspberger's syndrome, a form of autism that impairs social interactions. Waring also has 13-year-old twin daughters.

"I'd just like to say to whoever stole this lifeline from him: Shame on you," Waring wrote. "The events of Labor Day will haunt this family for a long time. May you also be haunted by your crimes."

After her letter was published in the Sept. 15 Daily News, it was spotted by Paul Steinke, general manager of the Reading Terminal Market. He was so moved that he took up a collection from merchants to replace the stolen property. They raised $905.

"We all felt bad that this had happened to her and wanted to show her and her family that Philadelphians are good except for a few bad apples you can find anywhere," Steinke said.

Robert Merino, of Lafayette Hill, also read the Daily News that day and sent Waring $300 from a family charitable foundation.

"That letter broke my heart," he said. "I have a godson who is autistic and I know how he interacts with his laptop."

Waring's family was understandably thrilled at the donations. Even more important than the money, the gestures of kindness from so many strangers helped repair their bruised perception of Philadelphia.

"Does [the theft] change how I view people?" Waring wrote in another e-mail to me. "Well, for awhile I was in shock. But what the people of Philadelphia have done is phenomenal. I've seen people change after something [bad] occurs. But I'm not going to let that happen. I will however be more careful - at least for a while."

Send e-mail to heyjen@phillynews.com. My blog: http://go.philly.com/heyjen.