History

What is Christmas In April - St. Mary's County? | Our Mission l National Level |

Past Highlights

 

What is Christmas In April - St. Mary's County?
	Christmas in April * St. Mary’s County is a local chapter of Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, so that they may live in warmth, safety, and independence. We also provide help through work on community projects. Christmas in April * St. Mary’s County was started in the Summer of 1990, when John K. Parlett, Jr., welcomed family, friends, and community leaders to a presentational meeting about this national program. After months of planning and preparation, in April 1991, over 700 individuals volunteered their time and talents and repaired 26 homes of low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals living throughout our county. This program focuses on a one-day “blitz” of home repairs on the last Saturday in April. However, we are a year-round program. Distribution of free Applications for Assistance occurs during half of the year. Starting in late April and continuing throughout October, free applications are distributed throughout the county, including during the county fair and at the annual Office on Aging Health Fair. Plus, during this time period our applications can be found in all public libraries, social service offices, post offices (those that allow us to place them inside), health department, senior citizen centers, Mental Health Authority, United Cerebral Palsy office, and other public areas. Communicating our needs to welcome help from skilled trades people and community leaders to serve as area coordinators and house captains is on-going, with house captain training meetings being held in February, March, and April each year. Each March, a homeowner orientation night is sponsored; and from January through April, the Materials Committee, Picnic Committee, Feed-a-Crew Committee, Fundraising Committee, and Logistics Committee members work numerous hours with preparations for our National Rebuilding Day. Over the past 20 years, Christmas in April * St. Mary's County volunteers: (1) have repaired 586 homes and 14 community nonprofit facilities; (2) have totaled 33,300 volunteers sharing their time and talents; and (3) have made home repairs worth more than $4.4 million to improve the living conditions of low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners in our community. Many of the home repairs focus on: (1) accessibility issues—building or repairing wheelchair ramps; (2) repairing or replacing old and deteriorating roofs; and (3) safety concerns such as the need for hand-railings, smoke alarms, CO monitors, and fire extinguishers. Among other repairs are: replacing or repairing windows and doors; installing hand railings and grab bars; carpentry and siding work; repairing interior and exterior walls; sheetrock work to repair ceilings and walls; replacing door knobs and faucets; rebuilding entranceways for safer access to and from the homes; enlarging doorways to bathrooms, giving homeowners in wheelchairs easier access; enhancing poor lighting or repairing dangerous electrical outlets and fixtures; and plumbing repairs. Christmas in April * St. Mary's County holds monthly meetings, the third Wednesday of each month, at the Burch Oil Company meeting room, located on Rt. 235 (Three Notch Road), in Hollywood, Maryland. We send out reminder notes for our monthly meetings. If you would like to be added on to our reminder notes (email or snail mail), just send us your name and address, and we will keep you up to date on our monthly activities. Read a Summary of Christmas in April * St. Mary's work for the Year 2007. Click here to download the 2009 Christmas in April * St. Mary's Newsletter. Click here to download the 2009 Christmas in April * St. Mary's Annual Report. (Click on the icon to download Adobe Acrobat Reader FREE)   Thanks to the Burch Oil Company for partnering with Christmas in April * St. Mary's County, and discounting materials for us - an elderly homeowner in Clements received a new furnace. Thanks to the Southern Maryland Oil Company for working with us, and discounting the price of an oil furnace for us - an Oakville homeowner is warmer in her home. The SMO Company also donated a new oil tank and installed it. Thank you also to Coalition Solutions Integrated, Inc., Gabriel Ministries, and CSC for adopting families at Christmastime so children would not be without presents. Thanks also to Mattingly Electric for helping a Lexington Park family. Thanks to everyone who helped us in January and February 2010 by accomplishing emergency repairs for a single mother with three children in Park Hall who needed major plumbing repairs and heating repairs. Visits and preparations started with willing partners, such as St. Mary's College of Maryland students, board member Fred Morton and Shirley Morton, and Bob Morehouse; plumbers Steve Arnold, Lauren Thompson, and Jimmy Dorsey, and Winters Heating and Cooling. This Park Hall home had not been chosen for our National Rebuilding Day because of the wide extent of the repairs that need to be done. However, once all the repairs were completed, we knew we were leaving this family with a much warmer, dryer, and safer home. Christmas in April * St. Mary's has our warehouse headquarters on the grounds of the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. For further information, you can contact Christmas in April * St. Mary’s at (301) 863-2905; www.christmasinaprilsmc.org [Back to Menu]
Our Mission
	Christmas in April * St. Mary's County is a local chapter of Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the homes of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, so that they may live in warmth, safety, and independence. We also provide help through work on community projects. [Back to Menu]

National Level...

Christmas in April started in Midland, Texas, in 1973 with Bobby and Shirley Trimble and a group of their friends who noticed that many of their neighbors needed help in repairing their homes. Christmas in April. The one-day-a-year workday started using the idea of "barnraising,". It became so widely accepted that Christmas in April programs have stretched into nearly every state. [Back to Menu] 19th Annual National Rebuilding Day Accomplishments Remembering a Year of Numerous Roof Replacements and 90 Degree Temperatures With the help of 1,600 on-site volunteers and another 150 off-site volunteers, on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Christmas in April * St. Mary's County repaired another 22 homes. Thank you to everyone for all your help. Over the past 19 years, Christmas in April * St. Mary's County volunteers have: repaired over 564 homes and 13 community nonprofit facilities totaled 31,700 people sharing their time and talents made home repairs worth more than $4.15 million to improve the living conditions of low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners in our community Among the Year 2009 accomplishments for homeowner recipients and their immediate family members, we repaired 22 homes on our National Rebuilding Day of April 25, 2009; and repaired 2 other roofs (December 2008 and January 2009). On our National Rebuilding Day, we helped 40 low-income recipients, of which 16 were elderly, 15 were disabled; and low-income families with 7 children and grandchildren were assisted with home repairs. 10 of the homeowners/families assisted this past year had annual incomes of less than $12,000 8 of the homeowners/families assisted this past year had annual incomes between $12,001-$18,000 4 of the homeowners assisted this past year had annual incomes of $18,001-$23,000 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County had an increase of 21% with our Applications for Assistance. When the members of our House Selection Committee visited the homeowners who applied for assistance, they identified three major problems: (1) accessibility issues; (2) old, deteriorating roofs; and (3) safety concerns. In visiting the non-profit facilities that had applied, we observed their needs, but felt with the overwhelming number of low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners applying for help, and the vast majority of the homeowners' needs were major needs–which included roof replacements or repairs, the House Selection Committee members recommended to the Board of Directors that resources be focused on homes this year. Among the repairs accomplished during the past year were: replacing over 13 roofs and repairing another 4 roofs repairing an additional 2 roofs prior to our National Rebuilding Day repairing or building 9 wheelchair ramps and improving 3 walkways repairing and/or replacing windows and doors electrical repairs and/or upgrades on 8 homes; plumbing repairs on 6 homes installing hand railings and grab bars on 10 homes installing a chair lift in one home heating repairs at 2 homes; whereby one furnace was replaced, and the other heating system was repaired carpentry and siding work, repairing interior and exterior walls, and rebuilding floors replacing door knobs and faucets (especially for those homeowners who suffer from arthritis and other medical difficulties) Focusing on safety, our volunteers also rebuilt entranceways for safer access to and from the homes upgraded electrical fixtures for improved lighting inside homes and repaired dangerous electrical outlets installed or replaced faulty or missing smoke alarms and installed fire extinguishers in each home installed carbon monoxide detectors, where needed Focusing on safety, our volunteers also rebuilt entranceways for safer access to and from the homes upgraded electrical fixtures for improved lighting inside homes and repaired dangerous electrical outlets installed or replaced faulty or missing smoke alarms and installed fire extinguishers in each home installed carbon monoxide detectors, where needed Click here to download the 2009 Christmas in April * St. Mary's Newsletter. Click here to download the 2009 Christmas in April * St. Mary's Annual Report. 18th Annual National Rebuilding Day Accomplishments With the help of 1,800 volunteers, on Saturday, April 26, 2008, Christmas in April * St. Mary's County repaired another 23 homes and 1 community project. Thank you everyone. Together, over the past year, we: Repaired or replaced over 14 roofs Repaired or built 7 wheelchair ramps and improved 6 walkways Repaired and/or Replaced over 40 windows and doors Did electrical repairs and/or electrical upgrades on 8 homes Plumbing repairs on 12 homes Installed hand railings and grab bars on 10 homes Did heating repairs at 3 homes; whereby Christmas in April * St. Mary's purchased two new heating systems, and volunteers installed the new heating systems Accomplished numerous carpentry and siding work, repairing interior and exterior walls, and rebuilding floors Replaced door knobs and faucets (especially for those homeowners who suffer from arthritis and other medical difficulties) Focusing on safety, our volunteers also Rebuild entranceways for safer access to and from the homes Upgraded electrical fixtures for improved lighting inside homes and repaired dangerous electrical outlets Installed or replaced faulty or missing smoke alarms and installed fire extinguishers in each home, and Installed carbon monoxide detectors, where needed. Accomplishments in 2007 On Saturday, April 29, 2007, approximately 1,800 volunteers worked at 22 homes sharing their time and talents to help improve the quality of life for our fellow neighbors. In addition, there were hundreds of individuals who contributed “behind the scenes” with financial donations, contributions of refreshments, with logistical needs, and assistance with skilled trades, materials, and supplies.

Past Highlights...

1990 In the summer of 1990, John Parlett , Jr., invited community members to a meeting about Christmas in April, and Christmas in April * St. Mary's County began. 1991 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County brought together a community of 700 volunteers to repair 26 homes the last Saturday in April. 1993 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County completed its 100th home repair. Due to the increasing number of volunteers, our Board of Directors voted to accept applications from non-profit community projects; a senior center was repaired in April 1993. 1994 Under Carol Locke-Endy's leadership, our Continuing Projects Committee was initiated with two pilot programs: (a) The Trailer Project and (b) Weekend Works. The first Trailer Project was completed with the replacement of Mrs. Briscoe's home. 1995 Under Bill Dean and John Parlett's direction, our Leonardtown storage building was designed and built by volunteers. The Board of Directors took the step of bringing on board it's first paid program coordinator. This was the first year that St. Mary's College of Maryland and Christmas in April * St. Mary's County participated in a Christmas in April * USA Summer Work Camp. 1996 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County completed repairs on over 200+ homes. 1997 The Board of Directors and the Advisory Board members set a goal of 30 homes to be repaired on the following Christmas in April National Rebuilding day and to limit the number of mobile homes to 20% of the total number of homes to be repaired. This was due to the high financial costs of repairing mobile homes. 1998 Christmas in April * St. Mary's welcomes a student representative from the St. Mary's County Public School System to its Advisory Board Meetings. 1999 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County passes its 300th mark on home repairs. With over 1,800 volunteers working on Saturday, April 24, 1999, another 30 homes were repaired bringing our program's total to 314 homes and 7 community projects. 2000 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County celebrated its 10 th anniversary with 2,100 volunteers repairing 31 homes and 1 community project in April, plus rehabbing an additional project with our Weekend Works committee. To date we have repaired 346 homes, 8 community projects and 3 homes repaired through summer camps. 2000 Plaque received from the Maryland Rural Summit recognizing Christmas in April * St. Mary's for Its Outstanding Rural Community Achievement. 2001 With the help of 2,000+ volunteers, another 30 homes and 1 community project were repaired in April (totaling 378 homes and 9 community projects; the Weekend Works Committee repaired an additional 3 homes–1 prior to April; 2 in the Fall); plus 3 homes received emergency repairs in the Fall 2001. 2001 Christmas in April * St. Mary's was featured in Carver Elementary School 's book, One Room School Houses of St. Mary's County 2002 After repairing another 29 homes and 1 community project on our National Rebuilding Day, plus an additional 5 homes during the year, we have reached the total of repairing 408 homes and 10 community projects to this date. 2002 Board Member Darene Kleinsorgen honored by the St. Mary's Commission for Women. 2002 Board Member Alvin Fenwick was honored by the St. Mary's Co. Human Relations Commission 2002 We received an Historic Preservation Award from the St. Mary's County Historic Preservation Committee for the repairs we did on the Drayden School in cooperation with DynCorp, St. Mathew's Church, and St. Mary's County Government . 2003 Veridian was honored by the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce for its long-time service to Christmas in April, the Chamber, and other community programs. 2003 BAE SYSTEMS was honored by the St. Mary's Co. Human Relations Commission with a corporate award for its support to Christmas in April * St. Mary's and other community groups. 2003 Board Member Howard Thompson was honored as one of St. Mary's County's “Maryland You Are Beautiful” volunteers for his many years helping Christmas in April * St. Mary's. 2004 Irvanette W. Hall, long-time supporter, received one of the Human Relations Commission Awards presented by St. Mary's County. 2004 Al Potts was honored as one of St. Mary's County “Maryland You Are Beautiful” volunteers for his work with our program. 2004 Christmas in April * St. Mary's County was honored with a Community Organization Service-Learning Leadership Award presented by the Maryland Student Service Alliance, Maryland State Department of Education. 2005 Long-time house captain, Ken Ritter, was honored as by the St. Mary's County Human Relations Commission for his leadership with Christmas in April and other community programs. 2006 Volunteers Janie Hunter, Christopher Longmore, Mary Ann Longmore, Levi Parker, and Charlie Roach were all honored by the St. Mary's County “Maryland You Are Beautiful” people for all their community service. 2007 In January 2007, The Enterprise Newspaper highlighted the efforts of “Unsung Heroes” in St. Mary's County. Long-time house captain volunteers Marc Hawes and Doug Sanborn, Co-Captain volunteers John Ward and Nate Baker, and skilled trade volunteer John Petz were honored for their volunteer service in Christmas in April * St. Mary's County. 2007 John K. Parlett, Jr. was awarded the Jefferson Award from WBAL, Baltimore TV Station. 2007 Board members Julia Bohle and Mary Lou Cullison were honored by the St. Mary's Commission for Women for their many accomplishments. 2007 CMI General Contractors, Inc. was awarded the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce Award for Community Service (nominated by Christmas in April * St. Mary's). 2007 In April 2007, Christmas in April * St. Mary's County achieved the goal of surpassing our “500” mark. Over the past 17 years, we have repaired over 519 homes and 12 community projects. 2007 John Winters and Winters Heating & Cooling were recognized as a St. Mary's County “Points of Light” at the September 2007 United Way of St. Mary's County Kick-off Breakfast. 2008 Board Member Viola Gardner and Executive Director Mary Ann Chasen were honored by the St. Mary's County Commission for Women. 2008 Ralph Guenther was recognized as a St. Mary's County “Points of Light” at the September 2008 United Way of St. Mary's County Kick-off Breakfast. 2009 Christmas in April * St. Mary's was honored by the St. Mary's County Historic Preservation Commission for volunteer work accomplished on several historic sites where we made repairs - including the Drayden School. 2009 Volunteer and supporter, Mrs. Catherine “Kitty” Parlett, was honored by the St. Mary's County Disability Awareness Commission for her and her family's 12 years of hosting and sponsoring the Southern Maryland Farm-Life Festival and making her facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. 2010 Christmas in April * St. Mary's was featured in the January 2010 issue of the Volunteer Management Report (page 7). 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