NASHVILLE, Tenn. - There have been a total of six crews working on seven homes for a week-long project. Those crews mostly made up of high school students like Emma Rodriguez raised close to $7,000 for the JC Napier community.
"When school lets out I'm excited to do this," said Rodriguez. "I'm excited to make a difference."
Thanks to the non-profit group "Mission Academy,” executive director Mike Shinn said High School students spend their summers fixing up and repairing homes for senior citizens free of charge with the help of fundraisers.
"We have close to 80 people here working all thru JC Napier," said Shinn. "We're painting, roofing and doing handicap ramps."
The homes being repaired have been selected by Pastor Frank Stevenson of St Luke Primitive Baptist Church.
"We did an eye test in the neighborhood of those who really needed some help," said Pastor Stevenson.
The home of Elizabeth Johnson Farmer has been one of them. She's lived in her home since 1964 and hasn't been able to afford to have it painted.
"Ooh, everything is just wonderful," Farmer said. "They want to know what color for this, that and the other, and I tell them I liked to be surprised. I still believe in Santa Claus."
The workers, along with Pastor Stevenson, said these neighbors have been more than deserving of a little Christmas in July.
"The church has a responsibility of lifting, so to be here and not help lift would be a shame for us as a church," said Pastor Stevenson.
If you live in the 37210 zip code and your home is in need of repair, you’ve been asked to call St Luke PB Church to be added to the list. They’re number is 615-256-1797, and you can also visit them online by clicking here.
