Volunteers Work To Repair Veteran's Home

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A cold rain did not put a damper on plans to complete a restoration project that is bringing hope to a south side couple dealing with medical concerns.

More than 40 volunteers from Fifth Third Band and Rebuilding Together Central Ohio began making essential repairs at the home of Teri and Scott Chesonis.

Teri lost her right leg in January after complications of diabetes. Scott is a disabled veteran who is losing his vision.

"They're making things a lot better for my wife to be able to function as a human being again, instead of having to depend upon everything to do things for her. She's going to be able to do a lot more things by herself," Scott said.

"We showed up first thing this morning. Everybody was very motivated and had a smile on their face. They've been working with a lot of energy all day," said Alex Sutliff, of Rebuilding Together Central Ohio. "We're going to be making some changes so that Teri has better access to the bathroom, for example, by putting a roll-in shower that she can access with her wheelchair."

On a chilly, blustery day, volunteers cleaned up their yard, made exterior repairs, spackled, primed, and painted, inside and out.

"We're doing a combination of painting. We're doing some beautification projects, and we're just really excited in helping someone who did so much to help us for this country," said Stephanie Steward, a Fifth Third Bank volunteer.

"They're wonderful. It makes me very grateful. They're taking time from their lives to make my life better," Teri said.

There is still much work to be done, but that has not deterred the spirit of the volunteers, and has left a deep impression on Teri and Scott.

Theorganization has working projects in 14 cities across the nation, investing $190,000, helping residents in need with an army of 400 volunteers. Fifth Third Bank contributed $10,000 locally toward the project, whichis expected to be completed next week.

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Volunteers Work To Repair Veteran's Home