Volunteer appreciation

The Tehachapi Lions Club held a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Feb. 2 to thank all of the community volunteers who helped with the Lions Christmas for Seniors service project. Sandy Morris, Founder of Christmas for Seniors of Kern County, attended the dinner and explained how the project began in Bakersfield and how it has grown over the years to encompass all of Kern County. Lion Suzanne Williams described how the Lions raised money for the seniors through their October Apple Drop and then went on to explain how the community became involved in this year's project. The Loop newspaper and the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce were more than happy to be the drop-off locations for members of our community to donate needed sundries items for the seniors. Irene Engrat at the Home Depot wanted to get her associates involved by donating sundries items as well. Little did Irene and the Home Depot know how involved they would become and what a blessing they were.

It came to our attention that one of our senior couples was in need of some assistance with a leaky roof. The folks at the Depot were contacted to see if they could as least tarp the roof. After inspecting the roof, it was obvious that something more needed to be done. Irene and Home Depot explored ways to get a grant to fund a new roof. Rena Schrader and Tony Martinez of Rebuilding Together of Kern County were contacted and wrote a grant which secured the funding through Home Depot. Home Depot contractors and associates went to work at the senior's home and cleared away debris, fixed the roof and are planning on painting the exterior of the house when the weather gets better.

Irene and her husband also delivered and hooked up a washing machine to one of our seniors and donated two almost-new vacuum cleaners to two other seniors. The Lions honored Irene and the Home Depot Crew with a special plaque and $200 has been donated in their name for a Lions Harry Aslan Award which benefits the Lions Student Speakers Foundation. The Lions enjoyed meeting all of their new friends and appreciate all that they have done.

Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed, that's all who ever have. -Margaret Mead