Last week’s meeting of the Hickory Area Ministers included a program about an idea that makes a lot of sense. It’s good for teens, good for families in need, good for churches, and good for the community.
The church office has some applications available that say “Free Home Repair.” If you or someone you know needs one, contact the church office at 328.6196 or office@corinthtoday.org.
It’s not for everyone, of course. It’s for elderly, low-income, and disabled families.
The volunteer repair teams don’t do everything, of course. They don’t do work that requires a license, such as plumbing, electricity, and HVAC. They can do porch repair or construction, step repair, interior or exterior painting, weatherization, wheel chair ramp repair or construction, and mobile home skirting.
The group is called Group Workcamps, and you can find out more about them online at www.groupworkcamps.org.
The projects will be completed between June 28 and July 2, and the locations must be within 30 minutes of Newton. 400 church teens will come from Virginia and Connecticut. They will stay at Newton Conover High School at night, and work during the day on the projects.
Besides suggesting possible projects, if this project appeals to you, you can help in some other important ways.
First, local volunteers are needed to welcome participants on Sunday, June 27, providing refreshments. Each morning and evening, volunteers will be needed to help with meals.
Groups can also “adopt a worksite” by providing daily snacks, taking pictures, forming relationships with work teams and residents, and escorting groups to their site on the first date.
Donations are needed: afternoon and evening drinks and snacks, socks, candy, pens, and more.
Seamstresses are needed to sew simple pillows as mementos for the teens.
Adult “project advisors” can help the teens on site. (Local volunteers do not actually complete any of the projects.)
Financial contributions for building supplies can be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 701 N Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658.
For more information, contact Jim Ten Kate, jtenkate@charter.net or Mimi Michael, mimimichael@charter.net or 465-0335.