On
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009, a half dozen volunteers spent the day
at the home of an elderly army veteran, making repairs and improving safety, as
part of Rebuilding Together Dutchess' first “Holiday Rebuilding Day."
The project was funded by Sear's "Heroes at Home" program, which
provides support to military service people, veterans, and their families
through joint efforts with various nonprofit organizations.
The volunteers replaced a broken storm door, added grab bars in the bathroom,
installed a second stair railing, replaced and rewired dangerous outlets and replaced
lightbulbs with more efficient bulbs.
Mr. Joseph Fraleigh , an army veteran who served prior to the Korean War, and
his wife Julie Anne have lived in their Wappingers Falls home for over 30
years, but age and chronic health problems have impeded their ability to keep
up with home repairs.
"We're so happy to have this help," Mr. Fraleigh said.Sears Holdings has raised nearly $7 million for Heroes at Home through 2009 via
a nationwide in-store fund-raising campaign during the holidays. This is one of
the hundreds of projects made possible by these donations. To date,
Rebuilding Together has completed nearly 300 projects for veteran homeowners
across the country.
"Helping people age in their homes safely and comfortably is a large part
of our mission," stated Executive Director Dave Dobson. "We’re lucky
to have volunteers and sponsors who are ready and willing to support this
work."
Rebuilding Together Dutchess continues to generate support for low-income
families, the elderly, and the disabled, members of the military, veterans and
their families by providing home repairs, improvements or modifications.
