Roofers, plumbers needed for Oct. 4 Labor of Love

Licensed roofers and plumbers are among the tradesmen needed for United Way of Eastern La Salle Countys Labor of Love on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Also needed that day are "house captains" and volunteers to help serve breakfast and lunch at the Marquette Academy elementary school cafeteria in Ottawa.

Labor of Love is a one-day community volunteer effort to clean, repair, restore and winterize homes owned and occupied by local senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities and low-income families.

The programs volunteer planning team and house captains have been meeting weekly to coordinate work plans for 34 homes that will be improved for free.

The homes are within the communities of Ottawa, Leland, Marseilles, Seneca and Wedron. Applicant ages range from 43 to 84. All Labor of Love applicants seeking assistance must own and live in their home, meet eligibility criteria, including financial eligibility and participate in a home preview process.

Volunteers complete financial eligibility screening, confirm home ownership, conduct home previews and approve home selections. Priority is given to homes owned and occupied by senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children who need improvements to correct serious health, safety and weatherization problems.

Projects will range from roof and porch repairs; replacement and repairs of doors, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures; repairs and installation of flooring, gutters and siding; cleaning, painting and trash removal, weatherproofing and insulating; furnace cleaning and repairs; yard work and window washing; and smoke and carbon monoxide installation and battery replacement.

As in past years, Labor of Love anticipates hundreds of youth and community volunteers. Last year alone, over 400 volunteers improved 37 homes.

Anyone 14 and older can be a Labor of Love volunteer. Volunteer workers and at least one house captain are needed at every home. House captains provide leadership and home project coordination. Skilled labor electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, cement finishers, heating and air conditioning professionals provide the expertise; enabling volunteers of all skill levels to contribute.

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering to help with any aspect of Labor of Love and for any length of time on can pick up and complete a volunteer information form and waiver. These forms are available at the United Way office, 1400 La Salle St., Ottawa.

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Roofers, plumbers needed for Oct. 4 Labor of Love