Union College News

Knox County Prepares for Repair Affair

Volunteers from all over Knox County are preparing to devote Saturday, April 19 to serving their neighbors.

The Knox County Repair Affair, now in its eleventh year, gets underway early Saturday morning. Eleven volunteer teams will split up to repair 11 homes in Knox County. Each volunteer team consists of five to 10 members.

The event began in 1997 as a joint effort between Union College and KCEOC. A grant initially helped fund Repair Affair, which has since relied on the support of community organizations, individuals and businesses. The annual tradition remains strong, uniting the campus and local communities in an effort to assist low-income or disabled persons with much-needed home repairs. Common Partners, Union’s community service program, coordinates the event.

Repair Affair has spent over $55,000 repairing more than one hundred homes. One thousand volunteers have been part of the project, donating labor worth at least $112,000. Local restaurants have been part of the tradition as well, donating more than $5,000 in meals to volunteers.

According to Debbie D’anna, Union’s dean of student life, there are still spots left for volunteers. Groups of five or more can apply as a team. Individuals who apply will be placed on an existing team. Volunteer applications can be completed by calling 546-1658.

To learn more about Union College or the Knox County Repair Affair, visit www.unionky.edu.

April 16, 2008

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