HomeWorks Calls for Volunteers

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — HomeWorks of America is calling on volunteers to assist in a massive move from its current 15, 000 square foot storage warehouse facility, used to house its materials, supplies and gear, to a much smaller, temporary one, courtesy of Cooperative Ministries. Since 1996, HomeWorks has completed some 2,000 house repairs for the elderly and disadvantaged at no charge. Eight hundred of those have been in Columbia alone. Now, the relocation process is set to begin this weekend. “For the next several weekends, there will be lots of loading, unloading, loading and unloading,” said Hank Chardos, Founder and CEO. “If you can imagine a house five, ten and fifteen years, it’s the same thing with the warehouse. We have a lot of stuff that needs to be moved. We’re looking for volunteers that could help morning short, families, churches, schools.” The first group to step up to assist with the massive move is about 20 seniors here at Hammond School. They’re hoping others follow their lead. Head master, Chris Angel, says the nearly two dozen seniors are taking on the project as part of what’s called Senior Legacy Day. It’s a way he claims the students can give back to a charity that gives so much. “It’s important they understand the value HomeWorks brings to the community,” said Angel. “I’m proud of the students who have stepped up in this way.” Hank Chardos hopes Hammond’s example of giving rubs off on other groups in the community, not only with the move, but also with solidifying a permanent new home for HomeWorks. “We’re here for the long term and need a long term solution.” Volunteers young and old are needed to move 15,000 sq. ft. of tools and equipment to another warehouse. The HomeWorks warehouse has been sold and move-out date is June 1. Here are dates for the move: Friday, May 16th, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17th, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 21st, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22nd, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 23rd, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24th, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 30th, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31st, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Hammers, ladders, wheelbarrows and much more are needed to move, enabling HomeWorks to continue repairing homes of the elderly and disadvantaged. If you are interested in assisting, contact Hank Chardos, Program Director and Founder, at (803) 781-4536, office or (803) 206-6974, cell, or at h.chardos@homeworksusa.net. You may also visit HomeWorksOfAmerica.org to confirm volunteer availability.