PREBLE COUNTY — The HIT (Home Is The) Foundation often benefits from the volunteer services of churches, corporations, and other organizations and individuals.
Since its inception in 2013, the Senior Home Repair Program, a service of HIT, has been the recipient of volunteer assistance, which helps the program serve more seniors by reducing costs. Volunteers often give positive feedback; finding that helping seniors in their own community can be rewarding.
One of the most dedicated volunteer groups is the Second Saturday program of the Eaton Church of the Brethren (ECOB).
The group has donated over 414 hours to the community, with almost 300 hours to the HIT Foundation, which assists needy not only from their own congregation, but from throughout Preble County.
From spring cleanups for seniors, to building fences for the HIT Foundation’s Homeless Shelter, ECOB’s volunteers have a strong relationship with the nonprofit.
A member of the Second Saturday leadership team and Senior Home Repair Program (a HIT Foundation program) committee member, says the church reaches out to support the Biblical verse James 1:27, which advocates visiting the widows and fatherless in their affliction, but also to encourage others to do the same – to reach out to help those who are in need of assistance.
“We’re glad to partner with the HIT Foundation,” the member commented, “HIT does the hard work – you find the people who need help, you do the screening – and we just show up, that’s the easy part.”
Eaton Church of the Brethren also donated half of the proceeds of their Christmas program to the Senior Home Repair Program, which assists with the expenses of needed home repairs for seniors. Other members of the congregation also donate time and funds for the program.
“We at HIT know we can always count on ECOB to be strong partners,” Heidi Bortel, Senior Home Repair Program Manager said. “Their consistent involvement with committee and volunteer service, and even financial support, has greatly increased our capacity to serve our seniors.”
“They don’t want recognition, but they do want others to follow their lead,” Bortel added. “And many churches and corporations in Preble County are reaching out and are huge supporters of the HIT Foundation and Senior Home Repair program. We feel really blessed to be able to partner with ECOB and all of those who have been so wonderful to work with.”
ECOB/Second Saturday group were recipients of the Community Organization Volunteers for the Year in 2015 from the HIT Foundation/Senior Home Repair Program.
The Second Saturday group has been working in the community since 2012. Their outreach efforts have included roofing and flooring projects, deck cleaning and repair, wood cutting and more. They also collaborate with other churches and organizations to assist those in need.
