(Clarksville, TN) September 28, 2011- Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TN and the ReStore has a new look thanks to three community volunteer groups.
The first phase was completed by the 101st Pathfinders Class from the Sabalauski Air Assault School, Fort Campbell on Saturday September 10th when they arrived to demolition the ReStore walls. The Pathfinders prepared the walls for painting to be done the following weekend. “The Pathfinders jumped into with both feet and were able to get all the wood paneling down in just over an hour. They seemed to enjoy the demolition! We can’t thank them enough,” stated Kathryn Norbeck-Dayley, ReStore Manager. The Pathfinders were counted among the 890 volunteers who contributed time and service throughout the community in honor of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance organized by Hands on Clarksville (HOC). Due to overwhelming participation, HOC was awarded a $25,000 10th Anniversary Challenge grant to fund the Serve to Remember project through 2014.
Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) stepped up for the second phase by participating in United Way’s Day of Caring on Friday September 16th. HSC volunteers painted the interior of the recently relocated Habitat for Humanity Affiliate office, now next door to the Habitat ReStore. HSC also helped the ReStore by moving inventory to accommodate the upcoming painting activities. “We were blessed that Beckie Moore, United Way Executive Director, considered us for a project,” stated Jennifer Kready, Habitat Executive Director. “We quickly chose a color and prepared for their arrival. HSC brought 40 volunteers who dove into the project with enthusiasm and the nine offices were painted in one day. The impact has been enormous. Board members, staff, volunteers, and applicants say our office is more inviting and enjoyable to be in.”
On Saturday September 24th, Grace Community Church (GCC) held their annual Operation Serve Day during which volunteers painted the inside of the ReStore. Dayley acknowledged that, “what Grace Community did for us was amazing. Not only did they paint the entire store in one day, but they also purchased all the supplies for us.” The ReStore has needed new paint for some time. Customers were hard pressed not to notice the need for a makeover, but the project was hard to accomplish with limited staff and volunteers who were focused on daily operations. “GCC blazed in with 20 plus people and whipped right through it. We’re so grateful for their generosity and hard work, and especially that of Kyle Christmas, GCC organizer, who oversaw the paint project from start to finish. The ReStore looks fresh and clean, customers are noticing and the staff and volunteers have commented about how more pleasant and fun the atmosphere is.”
Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore are excited to have renovated spaces to work in and are humbled by the generosity of the community. The three volunteer groups: Pathfinders of the Sabalauski Air Assault School, Hemlock Semiconductor and Grace Community Church, made an enormous contribution to the quality of service that Habitat for Humanity provides to Montgomery County residents.
