News | Article from High Desert Daily Press

Hands get dirty; walls get clean
United Way hosts community service project in Victor Valley

By Matthew C. Durkee, Staff Writer

Apple Valley (June 8, 2007) - The Inland Empire United Way wants to give people more hands-on community service projects.

“Some people donate money, but others who can’t still want to contribute to the community. This way they can,” said Christine Briggs, executive director of Desert Communities United Way.

On Saturday, the United Way will sponsor hands-on service projects at several Inland Empire locations.

In the High Desert, volunteers will deep-clean and repaint the auditorium at St. Mary Regional Catholic School.

The auditorium is a designated Red Cross emergency shelter as well as the home of a Cub Scout pack, Knights of Columbus and the Optimists Club.

“If that room is used as a Red Cross shelter, I can’t imagine it having to be a dingy, dirty, dark place,” Briggs said.

In the five weeks they’ve had to put the event together, they have been amazed by the outpouring of generosity from the community, said Tracey Louther, DCUW campaign director.

A local Valspar Paint employee, Lee Weldon, has volunteered all the paint for the project. Lowe’s is contributing $1,800 worth of tools and equipment for the project. St. Mary Medical Center is providing breakfast and lunch. Others businesses are dedicating manpower to the project.

Volunteers are welcome to participate. They may pre-register at www.handsoninlandempire.org, although it is also permissible to simply show up Saturday morning.

All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent.

The event begins at 7 a.m., and is expected to be finished around 12:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided."

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