Day Of Caring Volunteers Make Repairs To 81 Kosciusko County Homes
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Hundreds of volunteers rolled up their sleeves Wednesday and made repairs to 81 homes in Kosciusko County during United Way of Kosciusko County Day Of Caring. Homes that received repairs were in Pierceton, North Webster, Syracuse, Milford, Cromwell and Warsaw. Daryl and Bonnie Thomas, 7610 N. CR 650E, North Webster, were one of the many homeowners who benefited from Day of Caring at their modular home where they have lived since November 2011. The Thomases said they learned about Day Of Caring when a Real Services employee informed them and they applied to receive work. Daryl had a stroke two years ago that left the entire right side of his body paralyzed and is wheelchair bound. “He had to learn how to talk again and still has trouble speaking because of the stroke,” Bonnie said. He previously was a school bus driver and maintenance worker at Wawasee Schools and farmed for his father. He also was a plant manager for Paulus Plastic in North Webster. He also is an original founding member of the North Webster band, Shilo, and played the guitar and banjo before his stroke. Bonnie has been his caretaker and assists him with bathing, feeding and clothing him as he is unable to do so by himself. She said after his stroke, with medical bills, the couple has not been able to make needed repairs to the home to accommodate Daryl’s wheelchair. Employees from DePuy worked on building a platform in the front of the home that is handicapped accessible, and a deck with a handicapped ramp in the back of the home. They also replaced an inside bathroom door to allow for wheelchair entry. The only way Daryl has been able to get into the house with his wheelchair is using a temporary makeshift ramp that his wife built for him and cement blocks to get out of the front of the home. “These volunteers are angels that walk among us because of the work they are doing for us,” Bonnie said with tears in her eyes. “I knew the ramp I built would not last so a new ramp was badly needed.” Bonnie said she hopes others will benefit from volunteers. Bonnie said the ramp will allow Daryl to go out to the pond in the back of their home and also get to doctor appointments easier. “Part of his therapy is learning how to fish,” Bonnie said. Daryl said the wheelchair ramp will be a big assistance and will help him get outside easier. Zimmer employees did the initial drawings for the porch, ramp and deck. John and Lisa McIntire, DePuy employees, served as project coordinators and worked with the 16 DePuy employees on building the wheelchair ramp and deck. “It means a great deal to support this family in the community,” John said. Andy Kyler, DePuy employee, used his tractor, which he donated for the day’s project to transport lumber and dig holes where wooden posts were installed to build the deck. “It’s a good feeling for everyone to come together and help out, and will be well worth it in the end,” Kyler said. Work also was done at the home of Alice Miller, 11651 N. Grandview Drive, Syracuse. Volunteers from Bowen Center and Grace College painted the trim at Miller’s home as well as power washed her home and cut shrubs. Miller has a walker and has had three hip surgeries and has been unable to do the work. Miller said she has lived in the home for 22 years and she appreciated the help. “I have not been able to do work around the house for the past three years due to health issues,” Miller said. Alison Powell, Bowen Center employee, worked with other volunteers to complete tasks at Miller’s home. “It is a great feeling to help out Alice with work she otherwise could not do,” Powell said. Elisa Engstrom, Grace College student, said it was her second time for participating in Day of Caring. “This is a cool thing to help her and reach out and show God’s love in a place where help is needed,” Engstrom said. Volunteers from Medtronic replaced part of the roof at the home of Robert Brilliandt and his wife Carole, 4578 N. Ind. 15, Warsaw. Volunteers also trimmed shrubbery at the home. Part of the wood on the roof had rotted. Robert said he has lived in the home for 21 years and water collected on the roof causing it to rot. “It’s wonderful to receive the help. Day of Caring is the greatest thing,” Robert said. J.D. May, Medtronic employee, participated in Day Of Caring for his first time working with three other employees on making repairs to the home’s roof. “It is fantastic to get to meet new people and I hope to stop by again if they need any other help,” May said.
