Friday, several members of the Green Bay Packers organization traded pens and computers for paint brushes and power tools in a rite of spring that has come to be called Rebuilding Together.
Formerly known as Christmas In May, for the eighth straight year the Packers took part in the Green Bay community effort by donating money and labor to help a local homeowner in need.
This year's homeowner is a 51-year-old woman confined to a wheelchair. While much of her house was in good condition, the Packers' construction team installed a new garage door and modified kitchen cabinets to make spaces more accessible.
Also among their efforts, Packers volunteers installed molding throughout much of the house, plus a new door and dishwasher, and performed extensive landscaping outside, cutting back overgrown trees and installing plant and flowerbeds.
Packers manager of family programs Sherry Schuldes said it was another successful venture that left both the workers and the homeowner fulfilled.
"Every year, this is a great project to be involved in," Schuldes said.
"The homeowner is very grateful for everything we've done here. She said, 'There are so many people who are deserving and who need more than I do.' But clearly she's in need. She's been overwhelmed by what we've done, and her appreciation has made this very worthwhile for all of us."
Just a few of those volunteering their services Friday were Pepper Burruss of the training staff, Doug Collins with security, Ed Donatell of the coaching staff, Carol Hooyman of the Packers Pro Shop and Steve Klegon with the Lambeau Field Atrium.
The Green Bay Packers are just one of 21 corporate sponsors that came together this spring to see 13 local homes overhauled free of charge to the homeowners in need.
With the Packers participating since 1996, the Green Bay chapter of Rebuilding Together has been in operation since 1994, seeing approximately 130 homes refurbished thanks to its many corporate sponsors and thousands of volunteers.
To see photos, click here.
