Photo By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Chatham | Congressman Steny Hoyer, U.S. representative for Maryland’s 5th Congressional...... read more read more
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Camp Springs, Md. – Christmas in April, a nonprofit volunteer organization, teamed up with military members in Prince George’s County to assist elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners with preserving and revitalizing their homes here, April 27.
More than 350 military members from the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army Reserve, National Guard and Department of Defense civilians, DOD contractors, and retirees participated in the Christmas in April volunteer efforts.
Volunteers utilized donated materials and equipment from national and local sponsors to assist disabled Prince George’s County homeowners with necessities such as heating and cooling systems and much needed carpentry, electrical and plumbing work.
The volunteers ensured the homeowners to live independently, safely and comfortably in their homes. One of the homeowners, John Rogers, a prior United States Air Force member and U.S. Airways, Washington National Airport retiree was a recipient for Christmas in April assistance.
John has lived at his Camp Springs residence since 1955 and found himself unable to financial afford the necessary repairs. The repairs were to physically demanding for him as well since he has handicaps such as diabetes, osteoarthritic knees and asthma.
Walter Poliansky, U.S. Air Force retired, currently employed as a United States Department of Agriculture facility manager, volunteered with Christmas in April, assisting with John’s residential repairs. Walter has volunteered with Christmas in April for more than 20 years.
“We are fortunate to have the skill sets to help members of the community and it’s such a rewarding opportunity,” said Walter. “I’ve been involved with Christmas in April for so long that I even recruit my family members from New Jersey and North Carolina to volunteer.”
Volunteers completed extensive work to John’s home to include pertinent electrical and plumbing repairs.
Volunteers painted the entire interior of the home, replaced the kitchen stove, counter tops, microwave oven, floor and cabinets and they installed three new windows, a new basement door and a deck for safety reasons.
“I’m very grateful,” said John Rogers. “I’d like to think in small ways I’ve been able to help others and now, the community is helping me.”
Repairs were underway when Congressman Steny Hoyer, U.S. representative for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, stopped by John’s home to speak with the volunteers.
“I want to thank each and every one of you … not only for what you’re doing today, but what you do, each and every day … in serving our country. Thank you so much for your service in the U.S. Air Force and your willingness to stand up for our country and protect our freedom and our way of life and for thank you for making this a way of life for Americans in the community,” said Hoyer.
Each year Christmas in April volunteers provide skill trades to rebuild homes in the community assisting preserving and revitalizing low-income and disabled communities.
To date, the Christmas in April organization has repaired 2,253 homes in Prince George’s County with the help of more than 74,700 volunteers. An estimated $38.6 million of donated time and efforts have been performed since the organization began in 1989.
In April 2013, more than 3,500 individuals volunteered to supply 83 local homeowners with new wheelchair ramps and grab bars, appliances, and much needed carpentry, electrical and plumbing work.
Christmas in April is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that has been around for 25 years.
The organization received its name 10 years ago from a recipient stating that the feeling she had toward the volunteers repairing her home felt like Christmas.
Christmas in April provides volunteers the opportunity to make a difference in their community. For further information on how to volunteer or apply for assistance, please go to www.Christmasinaprilpg.org/.
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2013 20:04 |
| Story ID: | 107727 |
| Location: | CAMP SPRINGS, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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