People will have the opportunity to help a local family who lost a loved one.
Michael Kolesiak, owner of Michael Kolesiak Construction, Akron, said he received a phone call from Linda Bowdler, mother of Lisa Heather Mora, a couple of weeks ago.
Kolesiak said Bowdler was seeking cost estimates to make renovations to the family's concrete basement to accommodate their two grandchildren who are living with them.
The renovations also will help accommodate her husband William's 90-year-old father, who is moving in with the family July 28.
Bowdler's daughter, Lisa Heather Mora, was shot and killed May 23 by her husband, Omar, at the Mora's residence on Vicky Lane in "The Country" subdivision east of Warsaw. Omar remains at large.
The Moras left behind two children, Jovan, 7, and Adrian, 2, who are in the Bowdlers' custody.
The Bowdlers' grandchildren are currently living in a room on the first floor of the house that is too small for both children, Kolesiak said.
The home is a one-story ranch house with a basement in Autumn Hills Addition, Winona Lake.
Kolesiak visited the Bowdlers' home the same day he received the call to look at the basement and provide a cost estimate for the work. He told the family he would try to do the project so the family would not have to pay for the costs.
"I could not see charging the family for the work considering the situation that they are in," Kolesiak said.
Renovations will include installing two carpeted bedrooms, a carpeted playroom and a bathroom in the basement with a vanity, sink and shower for the grandchildren, Kolesiak said.
"I want to help the family and let the children know this is still a loving world, and provides the community with a chance to come together in a time of need," Kolesiak said.
The project will be videotaped throughout the process. Volunteers will sign their names on the basement wall.
He said the renovations are planned to begin next week, and volunteers are needed to help with renovations and purchasing supplies.
He said Warsaw businesses Builders Mart and Brouwer's Furniture have agreed to sell materials at their cost.
People can get a list of items needed by calling Kolesiak or his wife Shannon at 574-893-1988 or e-mail at kolesiak@rtcol.com
People can choose an item from the list to purchase, and send checks to a fund that has been set up to purchase the supplies for basement renovations.
Checks may be mailed to Kolesiak's church with the memo: Mora Children's Fund and write checks in care of Olive Branch Church of God, 4581 E. 1200 N., Roann, IN 46974 or donate online at www.olivebranchcog.org
