Bell County Repair Affair coordinator Norman Cornelius said 18 homes have already been approved for work and a few more could be be added.
At most of the sites Repair Affair teams will paint, fix leaky guttering, replace torn screens, take care of dripping faucets and other minor maintenance items. Sometimes more extensive repairs are needed or a special project like building a ramp for wheelchair access will be completed.
"It's a wonderful service for seniors like myself who can't do the little things anymore and can't afford to pay to have it done," one client who had work done last year wrote in a site assessment review.
"It's like on TV - I never would have dreamed it would turn out so good," said another who had a ramp installed at their home.
The Repair Affair, organized by Bell-Whitley, helps people all across the county from Highway 92 to the Blackmont area to Middlesboro. Cornelius said the event is not only good for those having repairs done on their homes, it helps build community spirit in the county.
"It's a good thing for Bell County. It brings people from both cities together," he said. "All they look at is helping these folks out on that day. It's a way to break that divisional yoke that we sometimes have."
Cornelius added that the experience can also be fulfilling for the volunteers on a personal level.
"It gives you a sense of accomplishment - to be able to volunteer out in your community and help someone less fortunate," he said.
The event would not be possible without volunteers and many will be needed to make the Repair Affair successful again this year. Anyone can volunteer, whether as part of a team or as individuals.
People are needed who can hammer, paint, clean, scrape, sweep, hold ladders, run errands, wash windows, repair screens, saw, build ramps, rake yards, patch holes, use a wrench, operate a drill, keep an eye on job site safety, take photos, and provide a variety of other skills.
Applications are available at the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency in Pineville or by calling Cornelius there at 337-3044 or Jane Melton at 248-7653.
Donations are also needed to help purchase supplies and materials to help complete repairs to homes. Some of the things needed are nails, coffee, paint brushes, rags, box lunches, hammers, paint rollers, paint pans, mops, buckets, cleaning supplies, drills, wrenches, lumber, doughnuts, ladders, screw drivers, screen, class, moldings, windows, doors, and other various materials.
Over 30 businesses and other organizations in Bell County made donations of cash, food or materials for the event last year. Mission of Hope has been involved in the past few years providing donations of money, materials and even a team of volunteers.
"This would not be possible without the donations from area businesses and the participation of volunteers," Cornelius said. "Volunteerism is big in Bell County. A lot of the people who will work all day with us on the 23rd will also be involved in the Relay for Life that same weekend."
The Repair Affair gets started with a kick-off breakfast at Bell County High School at 7:30 a.m. Lunch will also be provided to all volunteers at their work sites.
Post a Comment
