Union College News Release 2-8-10: Knox Co. Repair Affair Date Set for April 17

Dr. Mahlon Miller addresses the audience during his last visit to the Union College campus for the 2005 inauguration of President Ed de Rosset.

Volunteers from Union College and the local community will come together for the 13th-annual Knox County Repair Affair on Sat., April 17.

Knox County Repair Affair Date Set for April 17

Union College’s Common Partners program has set the date for the 13th-annual Knox County Repair Affair. The home repair blitz will take place Sat., April 17.

The one-day event involves 100 volunteers who divide into teams to repair ten homes in one day throughout Knox County. In past years, home repairs have included roof or floor work, wheelchair ramp construction, porch reconstruction, painting, and installation of windows, insulation and more.

Individuals and families in need of home repairs may apply for Repair Affair at KCEOC. Ten homes will be chosen. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28.

Volunteer applications will be accepted through April 16. Individuals and teams who want to volunteer can find applications at the Speed Hall receptionist’s desk on the Union College campus.

In the 12 years since its inception, Repair Affair has spent $60,000 repairing over 100 homes. Twelve-hundred volunteers have been part of the project, donating labor worth at least $134,000. Local restaurants and businesses contribute each year as well, providing food and building supplies for volunteers.

To learn more about the Knox County Repair Affair, or to volunteer or donate, call Union’s Common Partners program at 606-546-1602.

Common Partners is Union College’s service-learning organization. Students who participate in Common Partners work in partnership with local organizations and communities to create or offer needed services. In addition to Repair Affair, Common Partners hosts the weekly Timeless Tales after-school tutoring program; Bulldog Buddies, a mentoring program for children; the Children’s Art Program; and the annual Make a Difference Day. Common Partners students also do placements throughout the year with area non-profit organizations, travel for summers of service in other parts of the country and world, and organize a number of volunteer efforts for the campus and neighboring communities.