were helping, helped
Muchos de ellos ayudaban en los establos, ¿lo recuerdas?
Many of them used to help in the stables, remember?
— No se lo digas a nadie (2006)
Para mí, los que ayudaban a los traficantes eran igual de malos.
In my opinion, those who helped the traffickers were just as bad.
— Tropa de élite (2007)
They helped each other.
Si los muelles necesitaban pintura, todos ayudaban.
If the docks needed painting, everyone helped.
— Mi amigo Ivan Lapshin (1985)
Sus padres ayudaban a quienquiera que pidiera su ayuda.
His parents helped anyone who asked for their help.