Rebuilding together

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly

By Bobbi Mlynar (Contact)

Originally published 02:10 p.m., April 28, 2008
Updated 02:10 p.m., April 28, 2008

College students and members of service organizations worked side-by-side this weekend, as Rebuilding Together Emporia held its annual weekend of repairs and clean-ups at selected Emporia homes.

Aaron Sewell, chairman of the group, said about 120 volunteers took part.

“We’re doing seven projects,” he said. “Some of them are as minor as general yard clean-up, and some are as major as siding repair, or a complete paint job.”

Sewell said the non-profit group, formerly known as Christmas in April, works with Jeff Lynch of the City of Emporia in making sure they operate within the city’s code.

The work is done for people who are not able to complete the jobs themselves, and who meet income guidelines and other eligibility requirements for the group’s assistance. Materials and equipment are provided by the group.

“The homeowner does have the option of furnishing (materials), if they have the means,” Sewell said.

Applications for next year’s projects will be available at several gathering places in the community, including the Emporia Senior Center, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and the city offices. Sewell estimated that applications next would be taken in December of this year or January 2009.

Applications also may be had by calling Sewell, 366-0793, and people who want to volunteer for the next round of projects may call him as well.

“Usually we need more projects than volunteers,” Sewell said, adding that carpenters and craftsmen always are needed.