By David Stephens
Hometown News

Photo by David Stephens
Joan Moore, Executive Director of Christmas in Action Spartanburg.
In October 2010, Christmas in Action comes to Chesnee to brighten the lives of a number of deserving homeowners.
Christmas in Action Spartanburg is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that, in partnership with the community, repairs homes of low-income, elderly, and/or disabled homeowners to provide for their continued warmth, safety, and independence. The Spartanburg chapter is one of approximately 20 chapters throughout the United States. The organization originally was started by a man named Bobby Trimble in a church in Midland, Texas in 1972. Initially it was a Sunday School project where young people would go out into the community and help with home repairs and rehabilitation. Eventually, the program name was called Christmas in Action in response to the many comments from those who had been helped like “This is like Christmas” and “This is like getting a Christmas present.”
Since its beginning Christmas in Action has done work on over 8,000 homes and involved more than 47,000 volunteers nationwide. In 1996, the Spartanburg chapter of Christmas in Action was founded by local residents John and Cindy Barrett and the first home was repaired in 1997. The couple remains very active in the organization serving on the Board of Directors.
Executive Director Joan Moore recently spoke to Hometown News about Christmas in Action Spartanburg. Moore said, “We are funded through Spartanburg city and county via a community development block grant, the United Way, and sponsorships through several churches. Lowe’s Home Improvement is one of our greatest corporate sponsors providing us with deep discounts on materials for the repairs and rehabs.”
Since 1997 Christmas in Action Spartanburg has repaired over 539 homes for the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged at no cost to them in over 20 Spartanburg County cities and communities. Now, in October 2010, Christmas in Action comes to Chesnee.
Moore said, “Chesnee was chosen because we have never been there and our initial survey found a great need there.” Joan Moore said, “We will be taking applications until July 15. Applications are available at City Hall, the library, the Carolina Foothills Artisan Center, and at the Chesnee Senior Center. Applicants can also go online to www.christmasinactionspartanburg.com to apply.
“After the deadline applications will be screened by the Board of Directors for need, physically and financially, and a list of homes to be worked on will be compiled. On October 2, 2010, we will work on those homes in Chesnee from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with our volunteers and any other volunteers from the community and churches that want to help. We do ask that any able - bodied family member of someone receiving help come out and assist too.”
Repair work done includes but is not limited to roofing, interior and exterior painting, bathroom work, handicapped ramps, windows, doors, kitchens, plumbing, and floor issues.
Joan Moore said that people are very appreciative of help they receive and has a filing cabinet drawer full of letters and cards expressing that thanks. Some comments were “I have been without hot water for three months. Now, I can take a hot bath without having to boil water.” “We had to make up a pulley system to get momma up the ramp and it was frightening for her. Now, with the repairs she feels safe going up the ramp.”
Volunteers also commented on their involvement, with some saying “Why not volunteer? It is one day and the satisfaction it gives me is immeasurable” and “I really enjoy coming out and making a difference in the homeowners’ lives. Their smiles make all the difference in the world.”
Executive Director Moore said, “We are excited about going to Chesnee and carrying out our mission of helping the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged. We look forward to a productive day working with the Chesnee community.”
For more information about Christmas in Action Spartanburg, the Chesnee project, or to volunteer call 864-576-7101.
For more local news and events, see this week’s Chesnee Tribune.