BIGLER- The 14th Annual Allport/Bigler/Woodland Workcamp is set to return Sunday, June 21 through Friday, June 26, bringing together volunteers from across central Pennsylvania and the local community to assist residents with much-needed home repairs.
Each year, the weeklong effort focuses on helping homeowners who, due to age, physical limitations, or financial hardship, are unable to complete basic maintenance and improvement projects on their own. Organizers emphasize that the program offers “a hand up, not a handout,” empowering residents to maintain safe and functional homes.
The workcamp serves Bradford, Cooper, Graham and Morris townships, as well as the portion of Boggs Township east of Route 153.
Last year, the workcamp received 38 project requests. Despite heavy rain throughout the week, volunteers completed 30 projects and partially completed four others. One project was canceled due to weather, and three were unable to be completed for other reasons.
Projects ranged widely in scope and included power washing homes and decks; building and repairing porches, ramps and decks; interior and exterior painting and staining; installing hand railings; cleaning and repairing gutters; replacing doors; stacking firewood; reinforcing kitchen floors; installing bathroom ceiling planks and lighting; removing brush and cut-up trees; enclosing porches; installing trailer skirting; and other general home maintenance tasks.
Organizers note that certain types of work cannot be accommodated. The workcamp does not take on plumbing jobs, second-story exterior work such as roofing or painting, masonry projects, specialty or sign work, large tree removal, rental properties, or projects requiring more than five days to complete.
The committee is currently seeking suitable projects for this summer’s event. Pastor Clare Pannebaker reviews each proposed worksite prior to the start of workcamp to assess the needs and compile a list of required materials. While homeowners who are able are asked to purchase their own supplies, the workcamp covers material costs for those who cannot, using donations from individuals, congregations and local businesses.
Residents within the coverage area who need assistance are encouraged to contact Pastor Pannebaker at 814-553-8001 as soon as possible to request a Work Request Form. Forms are also available on the organization’s Facebook page, Allport-Bigler-Woodland Work Camp.
Those interested in volunteering may contact local coordinators Jim and Linda Wooster at 814-577-6276 for a Volunteer Application Form, also available on the workcamp’s Facebook page. Organizers say they are seeking individuals with a heart for serving neighbors in need.
Participation in the workcamp is open to everyone. Neither volunteers nor homeowners are required to be members of any church to take part.
