New year, new projects for Christmas in May

Despite being in their twelfth year of fixing up homes around town, Christmas in May organizers never face a shortage of applications. This year was no exception.

“We had 25 applications,” noted longtime organizer Mary Monteith.

Of those 25, five homeowners were chosen to be recipients of this year’s volunteer efforts. On May 3, young and old alike will descend on the chosen homes to give them some of the TLC that their owners either physically or financially cannot.

“It’s a big thing,” said chair Chris Nelson.

One of this year’s recipient’s told Monteith it was “like you just handed me a lottery ticket” when she got the call that her house would be on the work list.

The five homes the group will tackle are all located in the downtown area and include a variety of projects from building a handicap ramp and yard cleanup to painting and deck repair. Organizers are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather will be especially cooperative this year as the majority of their projects involve painting.

They are also hopeful that the earlier start date won’t throw their usual group of volunteers. Organizers moved up the Christmas in May day this year to avoid conflicting with the high school’s Relay for Life event.

“It’s a real gamble,” said Nelson. “You’re always gambling with who’s going to show up, what the weather’s going to be like, etc.”

So far, so good, though as Nelson reports an early volunteer total of 75 committed via phone.

“We usually have 70 to 90 calls into the helpline by the event,” he said.

Monteith isn’t worried about the rest.

“We have such good guys that always come back year after year thank God,” she said.

“We’re completely dependent on our volunteers,” Monteith added. “They are the success of the project.”

“We see a lot of familiar faces,” said Nelson.

That’s not to discourage those first-timers, though.

“People can have fun volunteering with friends and family,” encouraged Nelson.

Those with carpentry skills are especially welcome.

“We’re always looking for people with carpentry skills,” said Monteith.

As an added incentive for volunteers this year, there will be new t-shirts featuring the group’s new Christmas in May logo. Those interested in volunteering their services can contact the group’s helpline or show up on the day.