On Saturday, April 28, 2012, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department completed its 24th project house for Christmas-in-April. This department has participated in this program to help make repairs /maintain the residences of elderly or disabled citizens since the program’s inception in 1989. Participation in this program has become an annual tradition of this department and something that the members look forward to each year.
The 2012 project house was located at 4615 Gunther Street. Crews worked tirelessly on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 to make repairs to the home of Ms. Handon. Crews started a day earlier because of forecasted rain for Saturday. However, the rain held off on Saturday until after we were completed. The scope of work included constructing new rails for the front porch to help Ms. Handon get in and out of the house, painting the porch and shutters, painting her bedroom, making repairs to some interior doors, repairing the front exterior door, cleaning out the basement, general cleaning inside the house, tree trimming, cleaning out the rain gutters, repairing the fence / gate and cleaning up the back yard.
Once again John Weaver provided the leadership as House Captain to make this project a success. Earlier this month, as part of National Volunteer Week, John received a Special Achievement Award from the department for his leadership and work with the Christmas-in-April Program. The department was well represented by our volunteer membership on both days. We were partnered with volunteers from AARP and Prince George’s Community College, who have participated with us in the past and had requested to be partnered with us again. We are thankful for their help. In addition, we are thankful for the help of the career staff from the station, Deputy Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale and Battalion Chief Steve White, who were on hand Friday to work on the project and for Fire Chief Marc Bashoor who helped on Saturday.
Ms. Handon was very thankful for all that we did and remarked “I do not know what I have done to deserve all of this.” Thanks to all for a job well done. We look forward to 2013 and celebrating our 25th consecutive project house!