Young helpers pitch in for 'Christmas' program

For many of our hometown neighbors, Christmas comes twice a year in the Flathead.

There are many seniors and disabled who, though still able to live self-sufficiently in their own homes, find it very difficult to keep up with the routine maintenance and upkeep on their property. Household chores many homeowners discount as tedious and time-consuming are simply impossible for the elderly.

From raking, pruning and weeding lawns and landscape beds to painting, housecleaning and home repairs, a helping hand can really make a difference.

Since 1994 United Way has sponsored a program each year called Christmas in April. Seniors, people with disabilities and others on limited incomes who own their own homes are eligible to be program recipients.

This year 179 individuals joined forces, armed with paintbrushes, work gloves, rakes and shovels. Teams descended on 44 homes and washed windows, walls and cupboards, cleaned stoves and refrigerators, shampooed carpets, tidied up flower beds and yards and hauled away refuse for needy members of the community.

Two seniors wrote letters to the Inter Lake to applaud the teenagers who came to their homes April 16.

"We have a lot of good kids around here that never get the praise they should," wrote E. Virginia Ramsfield.

Two sophomore girls, along with their teacher, worked in her yard this year raking and picking up pine cones which they bagged and other volunteers later came by and collected. Every year Ramsfield is given a hand during Christmas in April.

"It's time they get a big pat on the back and hear how great they are! My front yard really looks great now. Thanks to all you young people helping us older people!"

Shirley Stubbs wrote, "I had the most wonderful high school and college kids who painted my living room and raked and weeded my yard."

She commended their positive attitudes and the worthwhile goals they have set for themselves in life: "Your parents know who you are and they should be very proud of you."

Stubbs also had the help of two adults that were able to fix her garage door. "I am so happy to have met you all," she wrote. "Job well done."

Many other seniors sent notes to United Way expressing their appreciation:

"I'm so very, very pleased.

"They were a great bunch and did a nice job."

And finally, "I couldn't have asked for more. They were crowded in my house and everybody was busy. There were no lingering hands. They went lickety-split! It just shines and smells so good. I am so satisfied!"

United Way is planning another work day at a future date this summer when the focus will be on construction projects.

And Paint the Town, a day of volunteer house painting, is scheduled to take place in June or July.

For more details and to find out how you or your group can get involved, call the United Way office at 752-7266.