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Big hearts make big difference

26 May 2015

By RH Staff
Register Herald

AR 305269886.jpgMaxW550May 26, 2015 - Throughout the last few weeks, several local seniors received spring cleanups from the Senior Home Repair Program and its hard-working volunteers.

From gutter cleaning, to mulch spreading, weeding, and window washing, volunteers from DOW Chemical, Preble County YMCA, Eaton Church of the Brethren and First Presbyterian Church Youth donated their time to help seniors in need.

On Wednesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 6, DOW Chemical of West Alexandria spent their second spring working for the Senior Home Repair Program. It’s part of DOW’s Great American Cleanup project. Pam Hartings, who heads the effort at DOW, said, “Partnering with the HIT Foundation on their Senior Home Repair program fit nicely into Dow’s Great American Cleanup goal of engaging employees to take a greater responsibility in improving our community’s environment.

“We were able to make a positive impact on the community in which we work and live by helping seniors with landscaping that they may have otherwise not been able to do on their own.”

Eleven DOW volunteers took time out to do yard work, benefiting seven seniors who needed help with cleanup.

The Senior Home Repair Program was also a recipient of a $1000 grant from DOW Chemical which provided flowers, gardening and landscaping supplies for seniors, and will also fund smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in seniors’ residences.

Beatrice Kingsley of Eaton has been an avid gardener for years, but sometimes all of the yardwork and trimming is overwhelming.

“It’s too much for us to do because we’re older,” Kingsley said. “We appreciate the help so much – it really was like a miracle!”

Bev Spitler of West Alexandria also was a recipient of DOW’s efforts. “That is a fantastic, hard- working crew,” Spitler said. “I was so pleased. There is absolutely no way I could have done it myself. You’ve got a great program there,” she added.

Volunteers from the Preble County YMCA also took a half day to clean gutters for seniors who are clients of the program.

Josh Haynes, Preble County YMCA director, was joined by Chelsea Crosier, Program Director.

“I‘ve really enjoyed the experience of volunteering for the Senior Home Repair Program.” Haynes said. “Not only does it positively affect those individuals being served, but it’s rewarding for the volunteers as well. I’m really thankful the HIT Foundation provides these opportunities in our community, and I look forward to staying involved.”

Several volunteers from the Eaton Church of the Brethren (ECOB) also join forces to help seniors in need through the Senior Home Repair Program – every Second Saturday of the month. This month, they dedicated their time this month at more spring cleanings.

“The HIT Foundation Senior Home Repair Program is the perfect partner for our church. This program fills two of our church core values of Connect and Impact. We have a dedicated 2nd Saturday team that is anxious each month to provide as many man hours as needed to help seniors of our county maintain their homes, be it deck repair, gutter cleaning, leaf raking, or painting. As citizens of Preble County, it is our honor and privilege to support the HIT Foundation.” Keith Reese of ECOB explained.

Betty Shurte of Eaton needed help cleaning her windows. Beth Pool of the First Presbyterian Church offered the services of kids from her youth group. Andrew Ferguson and Aubrey Smith spent two hours gently cleaning the storm windows. Shurte was relieved to have a tough job accomplished.

“I really appreciated all of their hard work” Betty said. “What a really great group of kids.”

“I am beyond impressed by how many willing hands are offered to us from churches, community organizations and corporations,” said Heidi Bortel, Senior Home Repair Program Manager. “They often reach out to us, usually before even being asked. Our seniors are so impressed by how hard they work – and what helpful and happy people they are while working!

“We can’t say thank you enough to all of the volunteers – because of their efforts, we’re able to reach more seniors. Nonprofits like ours depend on people with giving hearts to further our mission, and we’re lucky enough to benefit from working with them.”

If you, or your organization, church or business would like to volunteer for the Senior Home Repair Program, please call Heidi Bortel, Senior Home Repair Program Manager, at 937-472-0500, ext. 408.