Michigan —Members of the Novi New Beginnings Company used the Christmas in April program to not only reach out to an elderly resident in need, but also to establish recognition for our mission and beliefs in the community.
More than 15 members of the Novi Company joined together on Sunday, May 4, 2003, to help an older woman who needed assistance maintaining her house. This project was conducted as a part of the Christmas in April organization. Christmas in April is a national organization that repairs and rehabilitates the homes of the elderly, disabled, or low-income people through an all-volunteer, barn-raising event. The organization exemplifies the concept of neighbor helping neighbor.
Novi members expressed interest in the program, so Gordon Fellows, a Novi member who has also volunteered in Washtenaw County, spoke with the Oakland County organizers. Typically, the Christmas in April program is held on the Saturday after Easter. Although this date is usually in April, this year’s late Easter pushed the event into May. On this day, groups sponsored by businesses, churches, and service organizations go into their communities and tackle multiple projects.
Gordon contacted the group and asked if our church could participate on Sunday. They were happy to accommodate our beliefs and arranged for a project that could be completed on Sunday.
We organized the volunteers to use their special talents to do projects on a woman's house that she could not do herself. An electrician fixed light fixtures, while a tile expert worked to improve the bathroom with new tile. Volunteers also fixed the woman’s back deck. Others worked to give the house a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Brush was removed, leaves raked, and walls and fixtures scrubbed. At the end of the day, the house was in great shape, and the Novi volunteers had impressed at least one person with their dedication to help meet her needs.
If your church is interested in getting involved, call the Oakland County Chapter at (248) 889-5450. They will provide contact information for your local organizer.
Nathan Whitaker, Novi Company member and Columbia University law student
