Blitz has funds but needs volunteers

Between June 1-12, the First Presbyterian Church matched, dollar for dollar up to $7,000, any donations the group received during that time. The group is continuing its task of trying to raise money and recruit volunteers for an expansive six-day home improvement plan June 25-30. The group had raised about $10,000 two weeks ago before the big fundraiser began.

GNAT co-convenor Reed Hartford said Wednesday the group has raised $26,900 of its $40,000 goal.

"We more than matched the $7,000 (during the fundraiser)," he said. "And we've had some other significant donations since then. The push right now is for volunteers."

The group's goal is to recruit at least 250 volunteers to complete various home improvement and repair projects for several eligible low-income residents, disabled residents, and elderly residents who live on fixed incomes. Volunteers will be divided into teams to tackle projects on 40 area houses.

About 140 volunteers have registered to help in the effort to date, but the group needs to double that number in order to have the proper manpower to complete all the work that is needed to be done, GNAT co-convenor Treva Williams said.

"Financially, we're doing great, but there's a sense that we have a shortage in that area (volunteers)," she said. "We need more people ... We're feeling the pressure to get this well organized."

The deadline to submit volunteer registration forms is Friday. Volunteers must sign a waiver and receive a bracelet in order to be certified to participate in the project. Volunteers will also be asked to register once during the first scheduled day of the event. Registration will take place at 8 a.m. each day of the event in the parking lot of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., and should be done as early as possible, GNAT co-convenor Julie Righter said.

In the GNAT project, volunteers will be divided into several teams and will complete such tasks as interior and exterior painting, porch repair, landscaping, cleaning, flooring, dry walling, insulation installing, debris and trash haul-off, basic plumbing, and basic carpentry. No roofing or electrical work will be performed. Qualified professionals will complete the more complex, skilled projects. Homes and projects are chosen based on several factors.

For more information about the GNAT project, contact Williams at (620) 223-5134 or 223-3180, Righter at (417) 667-3344, or Hartford at 223-3944.