CareFest Campaign Helps Neighbors In Need

Mary Ann Tyndall is a widow of nine years, and her modest Dunedin home has fallen into a state of disrepair.

She does not have the resources or physical ability to keep up with the demands of homeownership.

On Saturday, a group of volunteers will meet at her house to do much-needed weeding, trimming, landscaping, minor home repairs and painting.

It's part of a daylong, city initiative called CareFest.

“CareFest is a day when we come together as a community and have one big push to help our neighbors," Pastor Stephen Wyns of Cornerstone Christian Center said. He is from one of five churches participating alongside city workers this year. "But it’s just one day. Helping our neighbors is something we can do all year long.” 

And Tyndall is one of many recipients being helped Saturday (Sept. 24) as part of CareFest 2011.

"We will be helping out seniors, single moms, disabled persons and anyone in need," said Greg Rice, city planning and development director.

The city and churches provide the tools and supplies needed for the projects and on Monday, the city picks up all the yard debris collected, free of charge.  

“City workers don’t just say they are going to help, they actually come out and participate. They are very involved,” Wyns said.

This is Dunedin's second year participating. Last year, volunteers completed five projects. This year, they adopted 13.

“I am so appreciative of everything ... the volunteers are planning to do for me. I just can’t do it myself,” Tyndall, 61, said.

Rice said the city hopes the number of projects continue to increase.

Want to help?

• Where: Starting Point is at , 51 Main St.
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 24
• Time: 7:30 a.m. for light breakfast; 8 a.m. travel to assigned job site, noon estimated finish time.

For more information, contact:

• Greg Rice at 727-298-3199
• Joan McHale, administrative assistant, at 727-298-3198