Helping Neighbors in Calvert County
Helping families live in warmth, safety and independence is a gift that lasts a lifetime. That’s the goal of Christmas in April Calvert County.
Whether Christmas comes in December or April, planning starts much earlier. Applications are now open for April 2018. On the last Saturday of that month, the non-profit makes no-cost repairs and renovation on homes of people and families, especially military veterans, with special needs because of low income, age and disability.
After trying out a wheelchair ramp and accessible deck built by Christmas in April volunteers, one homeowner said the ramp has been “just wonderful. I feel so blessed. I had to miss doctors appointments because I could not get out of the house. I have an appointment tomorrow, and now I can go.”
More than 900 volunteers donated 11,000 hours of their time in 2017 to help their neighbors in need. Sixty homes were improved, free of charge. Volunteers painted, replaced windows and doors, installed insulation, repaired roofs, cleaned yards and made homes safer and more accessible.
Another homeowner had water backing up in her shower. “It was awful,” said the homeowner. Christmas in April had a drain field installed. “Now everything is wonderful. That was my Thanksgiving present and Christmas present.”
Since 1991, hundreds of volunteers have donated their time to improve more than 854 homes in Calvert County.
Friends and family members may submit an application on another’s behalf but should first obtain the homeowner’s consent. The homeowner must live in the dwelling to be repaired.
Get applications at Calvert senior centers, libraries, and churches or by calling 410-535-9044, or online: www.christmasinaprilcalvertcounty.org.
Deadline is Sept. 30.
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