Neighbors helping neighbors
“This experience has literally changed our lives. We have a renewed faith in humanity, thanks to all of our neighbors who have come out to help our family. These are people who don’t even know us and they’re volunteering their time,” says Tammy Willis.

Willis was one of dozens of homeowners across Saratoga County who had their homes and properties rehabilitated by volunteers, including Schuylerville Central School District students and staff members. It was all part of the recent “work weekends” for Rebuilding Together Saratoga County.

The organization, headed by Schuylerville School District’s Arts-in-Education Coordinator Michelle Larkin, helps low-income and elderly homeowners stay safe, dry and warm in their homes. The work is varied, from yard work, gardening and clean-up to adding wheelchair ramps, replacing roofs, repairing plumbing and painting.

“I came out to help fellow community members rebuild and make homes around our community more livable,” says Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School student Tim Maguire, who was working at the Willis family site. “It feels good to help out and to know that people are thankful for everything that you do. Also, I get to meet new people and learn new trades.”

More than 30 volunteers from the school district were helping at sites throughout the county. Maureen Rossley, a kindergarten teacher, was among the crew working at Schuylerville Youth Center.

“It’s a question of giving back to the community,” she explains. “And this just seemed like the right thing to do. Many of our students spend time at the Schuylerville Youth Center, so it feels good to know that we’re helping the kids we work with all day long.”

Click here to see a photo gallery of students and staff working for Rebuilding Together.