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Teenagers from Around the U.S. Travel to Marshfield to Help South Shore Community With Hands-on Home Repairs

(PRWEB) February 16, 2005

More than 450 hearty and high spirited teenagers and adult leaders are expected to converge on Marshfield, Mass. this summer, July 24 – 30, as part of the Group Workcamp program. Local sponsors include the First Congregational Church of Marshfield and Taylor Lumber – ACE Hardware.

Economically challenged regions in the Deep South and blighted urban areas in the Northeast are the more common focal destination for Group Workcamp programs, a nationally known effort that encourages teenagers to spend one week of their vacation helping the community with hands-on home repairs. This is the first effort to ever be held in New England.

South Shore residents who need a hand with home repairs ranging from wheelchair ramps to porches to interior/exterior painting to decks to weatherizing and more can apply for the FREE and enthusiastic teenage labor. Applications can be found at the website of the local effort — http://www.plymouthbayworkcamp.com. Or contact Bob Maffeo at 617.816-0228 or Jim McCory at 781-834-7855. Application deadline is March 1.

More than South Shore home renovation 70 projects will be selected. Projects will be chosen based on need. In particular, Group Workcamp is looking to help out economically challenged senior, single parents and the disabled.

“This is a great opportunity for teens to learn about helping to transform homes and lives,” noted Bob Maffeo, Marshfield resident who is helping spearhead the program. “We are looking forward to seeing all participants reap tangible and intangible rewards from this ambitious program.”

Local organizers Bob Maffeo, a member of First Congregational Church of Marshfield and Jim McCorry, a member of St. Christines Church of Marshfield have been canvassing local councils on aging and food pantries to create awareness of the program and to identify those in need.

Teenagers donate $ 399 to participate in the program. This covers their room and board for the week. This group will be staying at MarshfieldÂ’s Furnace Brook Middle School, First Congregational Church of Marshfield, St. ChristineÂ’s Church and North Community Church. In addition to honest, hard work, visitors will enjoy evening activities and touring the region.

The work at each home will be done by a crew of five young people and one adult leader, representing many Christian denominations.

More than $ 7,000 has already been raised to cover the cost of materials and room and board for teenagers chosen for scholarship. The goal is to raise $ 19,000 to $ 26,000. Locally, Taylor Lumber – ACE Hardware will be providing materials “at cost” and American Computer Technologies has donated the design, development and hosting of the comprehensive website that informs the public of the program.

Additional and local volunteers are being sought to host out of state volunteers, deliver materials, share tools, provide building materials, and donate funds. Those with home repair or construction experience are asked to help out with site identification and selection and to perform site evaluations during the camp week.

For more information, please contact http://www.plymouthbayworkcamp.com, email – PlymouthBayworkcamp2005@yahoo.com, Jim McCorry at (781) 834-7855, or write to Plymouth Bay Workcamp, C/O First Congregational Church, 1981 Ocean Street, Marshfield, Mass. 02050.

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