Eleven teams of volunteers from Illinois worked hard last week to make a difference in Cedar Rapids. Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville each year sends scores of young people to work on a “Go and Serve Mission Trip.” Having been in Cedar Rapids five years ago doing flood recovery work, the mission trip leadership wanted to return to help again.
Matthew 25, a local non-profit agency, arranged for projects throughout the city for the 138 volunteers. One homeowner had the roof on his shed replaced and the shed was painted. In addition his old, deteriorated back porch and steps were replaced. Two other homeowners received similar assistance with projects.
Volunteers at Ushers Ferry Historic Village spent the week painting, repairing a brick sidewalk, and doing other projects. Bertram United Methodist Church and several other non-profits received help in painting. Other teams of workers have done landscaping and made building repairs.
Cedar House, a southwest-side neighbor of Matthew 25, received assistance in painting, making repairs, and removing debris in anticipation of its public re-opening June 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Liz Wardzinski, director of Cedar House, is enthusiastic about both the volunteers and the work they have done. “The energy and spirit these volunteers have brought to the house have done more than revitalize the building itself,” she reports. “They have brought the Cedar House back to life and we are looking forward to kicking off our grand reopening by showing off their labor of love. We are grateful for their work and sense of volunteering spirit!”
The youth and adults from Illinois are being housed at Coe College and are preparing their evening meals at First Presbyterian Church. This is just the first of several out-of-town groups coming to work in Cedar Rapids this summer through the direction of Matthew 25. Volunteer groups interested in serving may contact Project and Volunteer Coordinator, Don Taylor, at [email protected].
For more information, go to: http://www.hub25.org
Or contact: Jerry Oakland, 362-2214 or 712-730-0049
Matthew 25 Ministry Hub is a 501(c)3 organization in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The mission of Matthew 25 is to empower people to transform neighborhoods!