The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Volunteers gearing up for event
Christmas in Action to help needy residents
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
Christmas may come more than twice a year in Milan and Saline.
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As the volunteer group Christmas in Action prepares to attack home repair and yard work projects for the elderly and physically or financially disadvantaged next weekend, the list of needs is so extensive the group is planning to schedule more work days.
"We are going to put new siding on a home, renovate a bathroom to accommodate a handicapped resident and complete some dry walling and painting left unfinished when a homeowner was hospitalized," said Pam Palmieri, a board member for Christmas in Action.
"Some jobs can't be done on April 26, so we will be planning a few more work days when volunteers will be needed."
Christmas in Action is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reach out to members of the community to help with needed home repairs and rehabilitation projects. The work can range from replacing a roof, painting a house, building a wheelchair ramp, staining a deck to cleaning up a yard and planting flowers.
Founded in 1992, the organization is made up of area citizens who are about to participate in the group's 17th annual event in Saline, Milan and surrounding areas.
There are already more than 40 volunteers signed up in Milan to work April 26. Groups from Vineyard Church and Marble Memorial Methodist church are already mobilizing their troops. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Milan Area Fire Department with a breakfast for volunteers.
"People are welcome to come to breakfast with their rakes, shovels and tools, and we'll get them on a project," Palmieri said.
The day in Saline begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the American Legion. Organizer Kathy Kind said there are at least three big projects for this year's Saline event.
"All sorts of volunteers are needed, both for skilled trades and general skills. Projects will include home repair, some light construction, painting, window washing, yard clean up and planting," Kind said.
"If volunteers can only stay for a fewhours, any time is appreciated."
Hackett and his son, David, worked with a team of five volunteers last year to build a wheelchair ramp at the American Legion, the site of the volunteer breakfast for many years now.
"It's a great day and we encourage everyone to come out and help," said Brian Hackett.
Volunteers can sign up for both Milan and Saline projects on the Web site and indicate whether they could work on April 26 or during subsequent sessions.
For more information on volunteering, or to nominate a needy household, contact Palmieri in the Milan area at 439-0354 or Lester Rowe in Saline at 944-7327.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380.
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