BIRDSBORO >> For the third year – Mission Trip Birdsboro continues to grow in helping local homeowners in need. For 2016 the program received 25 residential applications for assistance in addition to community projects such as public park improvements.
The group was able to take on 18 of the residential projects and a number of public projects.
The Mission Trip Birdsboro program began in 2014 by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ of Birdsboro as a way to help homeowners who are in need of assistance with repairs or maintenance of their homes. That first year the group tackled four homes, two community parks, and the Birdsboro Elementary Center.
Now in it’s third year, four area churches have joined together to staff Mission Trip Birdsboro, bringing the total to 49 volunteers.
The program has become multi-denominational since St. Paul’s UCC has teamed with St. John-Hill UCC of Boyertown, Alice Focht United Methodist Church of Birdsboro and St. Paul’s UCC of Amityville. The program has helped the elderly, disabled and those whose financial burdens prevent the necessary upkeep of their homes.
In addition to the residential work and improvements at public municipal facilities this year, Mission Trip Birdsboro sent a large crew to Shady Hollow Assisted Riding to work at refurbishing their large indoor riding ring and to do maintenance work on the connected horse stable wing. Shady Hollow Assisted Riding is a non-profit organization that is designed for clients with special needs who otherwise cannot independently ride. Through Assisted Riding Lessons, individuals with special needs can improve their self-confidence, increase muscle strength, enhance balance, learn teamwork, and develop social skills.
On Sunday, July 17, members from four local churches packed the downstairs social room of St. Paul’s UCC in Birdsboro. Over 50 volunteers gathered to hear organizers run down the details of the individual work teams as they prepare to set out this week to provide work assistance and repairs to 18 local residences in need. Mission Trip Birdsboro will start Wednesday the 20th and continue through Saturday. A day of celebration will be held for participants on Sunday with a pig roast hosted by Union Masonic Lodge #479. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Birdsboro, has teamed with St. John-Hill UCC of Boyertown, Alice Focht United Methodist Church of Birdsboro and St. Paul’s UCC of Amityville to provide help to the elderly, disabled and those whose financial burdens prevent the necessary upkeep of their homes.
More than 20 local business and community organizations are keeping Mission Trip Birdsboro viable by providing the financial and material support needed to successfully carry out the work of the program. Some of this year’s major sponsors include American Legion Post 626, Dyer Quarry, Home Depot, Boyer’s Food Markets, Union Masonic Lodge #479, Zuber Realty, A.D. Moyer Lumber, David Hyres Pest Control, Tompkins VIST Bank and Birdsboro Beverage Company.
The Mission work took place July 20 through July 23 with a celebration for the Mission Trip Birdsboro host churches, help recipients and sponsors held at the Union Masonic Lodge #479 on Sunday.
