Meet Larry, this month’s featured volunteer! Larry volunteers with several of our Saturday workdays, but also helps out on our weekday project team. Read below to find out more about his experience working with us.
How and when did you first get involved with HopeBUILDERS?
I got involved in the Hope Builders program through Kevin as we ride bikes together with the Holy Rollers at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
What are some of your responsibilities within the organization?
Some of my responsibilities are installing grab bars for disabled clients. I am mostly retired so I can work during the week. I have 14 rental houses most of which are low income so I have lots of experience solving the problems we come up against. When we build ramps on the weekend I do a lot of digging for post holes and the approach to the ramp in the yard. I grew up on a farm so I have lots of experience working with my hands.
Why do you volunteer with HopeBUILDERS?
I enjoy volunteering for Hope Builders as I feel good when the project is complete. It is good to see so many happy faces. It is also good exercise and not so boring as riding a tread mill.
If you were to encourage someone else to volunteer with us, what would you say?
I encourage people to volunteer as it is a good way to get to meet people and be making a positive contribution to needy people. It is a good way to learn a procedure that can be useful on your personal home repair projects.
Any favorite memories or projects that stand out?
My favorite project was for Mrs Kennedy an African American lady who lives in Kansas City, KS. Steve Norton and I installed a ceiling fan, stopped lots of water leaks, repaired bath room fixtures that were not working etc. When we were done she gave me a thank you card which said, “God loves you and so do I. Oh thank heavens for the volunteer help that was provided with clear love received into the ark today.” Many times we never even get a thank you. Then she gave me the address of her Baptist Church asking me to attend. I would like to do that and hear some good old Baptist singing etc. I would like to bring her to our church so she could thank other people who provided money for these projects.
What makes HopeBUILDERS different than other KC area nonprofits?
What make Hope Builders different than other K.C. area nonprofits is that your effort goes right to the needy. You see that our money and effort is not wasted.