By Brandi Cummings - bio | email
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Some Midlands youth volunteers are trading in beach towels for power tools. They are making repairs to homes for the elderly.
There were sounds of hammers atop your head and shingles falling to the ground. "It's just great," said Floyd English Jr. of Columbia. "It's like music to my ears.
It's the place English has called home for 39 years. "There were some things that needed replacing, and I had them on the back burner," he said.
But thanks to volunteers with Home Works, the retired Army vet won't have to worry about it. "It's important that the elderly know that there are people who care," said Hank Chardos of Home Works. "Our care goes beyond just saying I wish I could do something."
Chardos started Home Works 16 years ago. Since then, his group has repaired 700 homes in the Midlands alone and 1,600 nationwide. "130 people started the first time we had a session and the rest of it is history," said Chardos.
Chardos uses mostly young people to do the work. That's something that makes English happy. "Some of the youngsters I've met in this program, we will never forget each other," he said.
"With their hands and hearts, the teenagers are coming out here," said Chardos. "They're the ones that are taking off the old shingles, using nail guns, learning life skills. But more importantly, knowing they can be of service in the community right here in Columbia."
So far the volunteers have painted the home. Then they're working on the roof, and they will also be repairing the plumbing, changing the garage doors, and building a wheelchair ramp. "I couldn't be more proud," said English. "I think I'm the luckiest man in the world."
The volunteers have repaired seven other homes in the Midlands this week. They'll finish the work by Friday. Then other volunteers will head to Augusta next week.
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