Christmas in April--for Boyd Family
On Saturday, April 29, a bustle of activity surrounded our neighbors, the Boyds. More than 50 volunteers from the “Christmas in April” program transformed their house and yard, in a full day of moving, clearing, hammering, wiring, cabinet installation and painting.
Mrs. Dorothy Boyd, who has lived here since 2001, applied for the program with the help of her daughter, Rev. Angela Carpenter. In November, she received word that their home was chosen to be one of the 25 slated for renovation in Prince George’s County. Her sons, grandson and numerous family members were also on hand to help the volunteers from Berean Baptist, Cheltenham United Methodist, Holy Redeemer Parish, Alpha Phi Chi Sorority, and the Green Knights motorcycle club, as well as many veterans from Andrews Joint Forces Base.
Three Co-Captains led the project: Dave Abildgaard, Miguel Rodriguez and Walt Poliansky.
“We have a long list of goals for today,” Walt explained, “including insulation, dry wall, carpeting, replacing the base cabinets and counter in the kitchen, installing windows, installing a toilet, re-wiring some electric and yard work.”
Dave Tully of Holy Redeemer in College Park said he brought about a dozen volunteers from his church, to work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of those volunteers, a first-timer, said “It’s important for the churches to be helping people, doing service, and this gets us doing that outside our own parish.”
Our own Wanda Brooks was helping trim shrubbery and clear out the overgrown vegetation in the back yard. Several canopies shielded the refreshments and lunch items provided by Alpha Phi Chi Sorority. Skilled tradesmen supervised others in the finer points of the installations. Mrs. Boyd rested in the shade next to the front doorway, smiling at the entire tableau. “I’m just thankful” she said.
