Volunteers Open Hearts for Christmas in Action Event

Volunteers throughout the Dexter community reached out to their neighbors Saturday as part of the annual Christmas in Action event.

Formerly known as Christmas in April, the program is an annual one-day home repair service that began in the early 1990s.

Local resident Russ Mynning, who was on hand to fix a neighbor’s deck, said he has been participating in the event for several years and has helped with several projects, including handicap ramps, plumbing and electrical work, and painting.

“We do all of this work at no cost to the homeowners,” Mynning said. “We furnish all the tools and materials.”

He said the nonprofit organization solicits applications for home repair early in the year via newspaper articles, letters to residents and church bulletins.

“We try to get to as many projects as we can based on the number of volunteers,” he said.

In the past, volunteers have had up to 30 projects. This year, however,  the group had only 13, Mynning said.

Ron Myers of Canton said this was the third year he has volunteered, and he enjoys the opportunity to visit Dexter.

“My brother-in-law got me involved a few years ago, and now he calls me every year, and I come out,” he said.

Susan Featheringill said the organization is grateful for any volunteers.

“This year, the number of volunteers are down, but our donations are up,” she said. “We’re glad the weather was nice on Saturday in order for us to work outdoors. Last year, it rained.”

Featheringill said she has been participating in Christmas in Action since it began 10 years ago.

“I like helping people out who need it,” she said. “It makes their houses and the neighborhoods look nice.”

Resident Annette Anderson said she also enjoys volunteering and meeting other people.

“It’s nice being able to do something worthwhile,” she said. “You get to meet a lot of new volunteers, too."