Rather than being on vacation, some Richland County students gave back to the community on Thursday.
/ Zoheb Hassanali
RICHLAND CO. -- Rather than being on vacation, some Richland County students gave back to the community on Thursday.
Five outgoing seniors from Ridge View High School braved the heat and humidity to repair the roof of 84-year-old Alfonso Hailey's home located on South Highland Forest Drive. Haley is disabled and has been having problems with a leaky roof. The students replaced it with a brand new one.
This is the fifth year of the program, which is hosted by Home Works, a non-profit, faith-based organization that gives volunteers a chance to help the elderly.
Executive Director Hank Chargos, who led the way in replacing the roof, said the students also learn a lot from elders in return.
"Our work is a bi-product. What we want to do is find out more about Mr.. Haley. The wisdom and memories that the elderly have. There are a lot of kids that want to do good. It is blazing hot out here. The sun is hot. It is twice as bad on the roof. But in spite of that, you see smiles," said Chargos.
More than 25,000 youth and adult volunteers have participated in Home Works projects in the last 15 years at no cost to the homeowner.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH