Volunteers (more are needed) and contractor pros will join forces to help neighbors needing home projects help.

Submitted

On Saturday, May 18, a group of West Hartford businesses and residents will once again volunteer their time, skills, and materials to provide basic home maintenance services to help the elderly, disabled, and veterans as part of a West Hartford Day of Caring.

This marks the second year for the all-volunteer effort. Last year, six homeowners received help with projects that included yard cleanups; cleaning and repair of windows; repairs of wheelchair ramps; installation of smoke alarms; and minor repairs to gutters and interior ceilings and walls.

Returning to the project are a number of home improvement pros, including Catherine Yandow Davis, owner of Bartlett Brainard Products, a home improvement contractor located in West Hartford; Jason Clatterbuck, owner of Homestead Improvement & Design, LLC; and John Furmanek, owner of Handy Daddy, LLC. Also returning will be volunteers from the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter, who will install smoke alarms in homes and provide information on home fire prevention and safety. Once again, Elmwood Community Church will serve as hub of Day of Caring activities, where volunteers will gather to get their work instructions and supplies.

The group has begun planning for this year’s event, including recruitment of more volunteers and of homeowners who have potential projects for the group to tackle.

“We need lots of hands to help on May 18,” Yandow Davis said. “There’s room for people of all skills and abilities. We will have jobs for everyone who wants to help, and team captains who will be able to share information and tips to help the team get their projects done.”

Recruiting homeowners in need of help is already under way. Clatterbuck said that, as they had last year, the pros will review the projects and help to determine what can be done in the timeframe available. “We want to make sure that we can provide homeowners with completed projects that meet their needs.”

Homeowners who may need some basic help at home are welcome to contact the project team by calling Jennifer Schunder Georgina at Bartlett Brainard Products at 860-233-4475 or emailing her at [email protected]. “Jennifer did fantastic logistical and organizing work last year,” Yandow Davis said. “We’re fortunate to have her help.”

“I’ve met some wonderful people doing this project,” Clatterbuck said. “The homeowners I’ve worked with have been glad to receive the help and the volunteers in the group represent what’s so great about the community spirit in West Hartford.”

West Hartford Day of Caring has a Facebook page where people can get involved and follow the progress of the project.

West Hartford Day of Caring is set for Saturday, May 18, and will offer help to homeowners who need a little extra help to keep their homes safe and comfortable. Day of Caring will happen rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather. It is a volunteer project organized by West Hartford businesses and residents. Homeowners receiving help with the projects free of charge; all work and materials are donated.

Volunteers will spend the day assisting homeowners who are elderly, disabled, or veterans and who have limited incomes with projects that will help them remain comfortable and safe in their homes. Projects include yard cleanups; window washing and repair; light painting; minor gutter and ceiling repairs; hand rail installations or repairs; door lock and latch repairs; smoke alarm installations; and more.

Volunteers will gather at 8 a.m. to get instructions, materials, and tools, and will be assigned to their projects. Volunteers will work alongside professionals who have also donated their time and skill to complete the projects. Volunteers are welcome, but must register before the event, by emailing [email protected]. After registering, volunteers will be provided details on where to meet.

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