Volunteers representing the Chapel’s Local Missions committee have continued to work diligently since the end of last year renovating a local home damaged by Hurricane Florence last September. Homeowner Brenda Garrison and her two granddaughters were displaced after three solid days of rain totaling 30 inches made their home between Surf City and Hampstead unlivable. 

With $25,000 in funding from the Chapel’s Board of Governors upon recommendation of the Benevolence committee, volunteers have gathered at Brenda’s house every Wednesday since January to complete a long list of renovation tasks. Twelve to 15 men and women have brought their talents and tools, as well as humor and indefatigable spirits, to remove damaged materials, replace damaged base flooring, install and finish sheetrock, and repair the roof and siding.

Recent work has been focused on installing trim, painting, replacing damaged light and other fixtures, and finishing up the little things in anticipation of new floor coverings being installed during the week of February 25.

Over 750 volunteer hours by more than 30 Chapel affiliates have been devoted to this project since January. David Barnes has done a fabulous job leading the renovation by planning the tasks, gathering the materials and supplies, and doling out the weekly assignments. Joe Bell deserves a special pat on the back for directing the efforts during David’s recent vacation. And all the volunteers deserve a special salute for their dutiful presence and work each and every Wednesday, including those who have been providing onsite lunches for the workers on many of the workdays.

The original project completion date goal was March 30 and it appears certain that the repairs will be wrapped up well before then. Brenda has expressed great joy in the work and passion of the volunteers. She and her granddaughters are eagerly looking forward to moving back home very soon!