Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD -- Sailors with FRC Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) Site Patuxent River celebrated Christmas in April improving a home for a St. Mary’s county resident, April 27

More than two dozen FRCMA volunteers completed repairs to the home in Hollywood, Md., during the annual community relations event of Christmas in April - St. Mary's County, Maryland, Inc. FRCMA members replaced kitchen flooring and tile in the shower, repaired a deck, created new flower beds and other improvements around the home. The event was part of a countywide effort that saw hundreds of additional volunteers at 18 sites for clean-up and light repairs of homes of those less fortunate, using materials donated or purchased at a discount from local businesses and individuals.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 2^nd Class Jose Martinez spent much of the day replacing roofs on two storage buildings.

“I wanted to do something that would be worthwhile,” he said. “My mother taught me that if you plant something good, something good will come up.”

Volunteers descended upon the residence early in the morning, gathering tools and materials and reviewing their day’s work assignments.  Like ants at a picnic, people then scattered to their areas and went to work breaking up the morning’s calm with sound of generators, hammers and saws.

“It was motivating to have the opportunity to help someone,” said Aviation Structural Airman Brian Lathery.

Work continued until late in the afternoon as projects and volunteers moved to help others.

While Aviation Electronics Technician 3^rd Class Chelsea Brown spent the day giving of her time and effort, she said she also received.

“Physically, I felt tired however I cannot measure my newly found confidence and excitement to get involved with more home renovation projects,” she said. “I felt like I had become Rosie the Riveter. We can do it and we did it.”

For the past 22 years, St. Mary's County volunteers have repaired more than 630 homes; 14 community nonprofit facilities have received help with repairs; 35,900 people have shared their time and talents and have made free home repairs worth more than $5.2 million to improve the living conditions of low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners in St. Mary's County. Christmas in April - St. Mary's County, Maryland, Inc. is a local chapter of Rebuilding Together, a national volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the homes of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, so that they may live in warmth, safety and independence.

For more information about Christmas in April - St. Mary's County, Maryland, Inc., go to www.christmasinaprilsmc.org.