FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2022
Media Contact:
Suzanne Jalot
(910) 399-7563
Whether you Call it Giving Back or
Paying it Forward, Volunteers say Serving Others is Rewarding
WARM Celebrates National Volunteer Month
WILMINGTON, NC – Bruce Ivers had a long and successful professional career. Having a purpose in retirement was important for him. As part of the self-proclaimed “Band of Brothers” volunteer group in Brunswick County, he is able to do just that. The Band of Brothers is a group of about 25 retirees that volunteer for the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM) on a regular basis every single week. Each Tuesday and Thursday you can find members working on homes to repair threats to safety and health, as well as making accessibility improvements.
“Whether you consider it giving back or paying it forward, helping Brunswick County families in need has been rewarding,” said Ivers. “All of the families we’ve worked for have been very grateful as we’ve made it possible for them to be safe and comfortably stay in their homes for many years to come. A win-win for all of us.”
Volunteers are essential to the success of WARM. During National Volunteer Month in April WARM is making extra efforts to recognize the contributions of volunteers. In 2021, volunteers contributed more than 20,000 hours of labor allowing WARM to serve 185 families.
“Volunteers are critical to fulfilling WARM’s mission,” said JC Lyle, WARM’s Executive Director. “In addition to completing transformational home repairs, volunteers show families how much they are cared about, which can also be transformational. One homeowner told us, ‘I didn’t know I was worthy of this kind of help.’”
Volunteer opportunities are available with WARM Monday through Saturday and no construction experience is necessary. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up at any time at warmnc.org or by calling (910) 399-7563.
About WARM
WARM’s mission is to repair, rebuild, and make homes accessible; and to inspire service, generosity, and hope. Urgent repairs address threats to safety, health, and accessibility. By rebuilding homes in disrepair or damaged by severe weather, WARM is preserving affordable housing for the community and supporting our homeowners’ goals to remain self-sufficient and live with dignity and independence. Repairs are provided at no cost to homeowners who qualify.
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