This year, 40 Savannah River Nuclear Solutions employees and their families participated in United Way's Project Vision Day of Caring at Helping Hands.
Projects included replacing a counter-top, updating a wooden gazebo, building new toddler beds, painting offices, updating software and laying new carpet in the Development Center, which serves as the agency's education and activities center.
Because the residents were out of school, many jumped in to help.
Teens Marlow and Troy helped replace the carpet in the Development Center. Their team leader, Kevin Heath, quizzed them on their math skills throughout the entire process, "keeping them on their toes," he said.
"I learned how to properly place and cut a carpet," Troy said. He said, "I could maybe start and own my own carpet business one day."
Jonathan helped update the gazebo under Stuart Neal's supervision. Jonathan explained that he learned all about precision and that "it has to be just right" in terms of carpentry and the measurements.
Another resident, Serjio, was eager to help his team, headed by Jay Noonkester. This group of men removed and reinstalled kitchen countertops in the Teen Boys program.
Site leader Freddie Hartzog said he was impressed with this year's level of involvement from the youth.
Not only did the youth learn a lot from hands-on work, but they were also reminded of the value of giving back and the importance of volunteering, he said.
"It is important that children are exposed to environments that promote volunteering and/or donating early on. This nurtures a sense of giving and volunteerism, over time, teaches them to look beyond their own needs and consider the needs of others," said Tammy Davis, United Way of Aiken's Director of Community Investment.
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