
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 30, 1994                   TAG: 9405020173
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By CAMERON HUDDLESTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IT'S CHRISTMAS IN APRIL IN BEDFORD

For the past four years since the death of her husband, Clara Overstreet has been living alone, unable to make needed repairs on her house off Virginia 686 on Taylors Mountain.

But this year, Overstreet's house will be painted and a door will be replaced, thanks to volunteers for the Bedford chapter of Christmas in April.

``I was surprised when they called and told me they would fix my house, but I really appreciate they're going to do this for me,'' Overstreet said.

Approximately 300 volunteers will spend today repairing 10 homes, including Overstreet's, in the Bedford area. The Bedford chapter of Christmas in April is part of a national effort that began in 1973 to repair dilapidated homes of low-income, disabled or elderly people.

``We have made a real difference in people's lives by bringing them warmth, safety and renewed dignity in their most cherished possession: their own brightly refurbished homes,'' Christmas in April USA Chairman John C. Witaker said.

The Bedford chapter was organized in 1992 as an affiliate of the chapter in Amherst/Nelson County. With the help of local churches, civic organizations, businesses and private donations, the chapter has raised $17,000 for the 1994 renovations. Tools, repair materials and food also have been donated.

``The response from the community has been overwhelming in terms of participation and donations,'' Sue Gilbert, president of the Bedford chapter, said.

The volunteers will gather at 6:30 a.m. at St.John's Episcopal Church in Bedford for breakfast donated by Golden West Foods, then travel to the homes to repair porches, windows and roofs, or to paint, said Eddie Martinez, head of publicity.

Each job site will be directed by a captain who is a licensed contractor or an experienced tradesman, such as a plumber or electrician. Sometimes the captains bring their own crews to help the other volunteers, Gilbert said.

The homes receiving repairs were selected in January. Every year, various community organizations, service clubs, churches and private individuals submit the names of homeowners for consideration. Homes are inspected and evaluated to determine whether they meet eligibility criteria for volunteer renovation. All work is done free of charge.

Christmas in April USA's goal is to repair 4,000 homes across the United States this year with the help of 120,000 volunteers.

by CNB