First of all let me welcome you to the QB. I can't imagine someone just leaving a sewing machine on the sidewalk! My thought is it was put out to be disposed of. I pick up older machines at garage sales from time to time. After a sale is complete I have picked up one on the sidewalk that went unsold waiting for trash pick up. It worked great! This could be worth taking in and having repaired for your own personal use. Take some classes at Joann's and start sewing again. You can amaze yourself with a new ability!