22nd Annual Community Paint-a-Thon
Caring For Our Seniors
September 12, 2009
This year's Paint-A-Thon brought together hundreds of volunteers in our community to paint the homes of our neighbors who needed help. While you're too late to sign up for this year's Paint-A-Thon, there's still plenty to learn about the good work done through this service. You can also read these two stories about the impact volunteers made on people's lives:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Paint-A-Thon?
A Paint-A-Thon is a unique community partnership designed to paint the homes owned and occupied by persons with limited financial resources who are at least 60 years of age or have a permanent disability making them unable to do the work themselves. In many ways, a Paint-A-Thon is like an old-fashioned barn raising. The spirit is still the same...neighbors helping neighbors, people working together to enhance their community. Through in-kind donations and considerable volunteer support, the costs and administrative needs are kept to a minimum.
A Paint-A-Thon is a unique community partnership designed to paint the homes owned and occupied by persons with limited financial resources who are at least 60 years of age or have a permanent disability making them unable to do the work themselves. In many ways, a Paint-A-Thon is like an old-fashioned barn raising. The spirit is still the same...neighbors helping neighbors, people working together to enhance their community. Through in-kind donations and considerable volunteer support, the costs and administrative needs are kept to a minimum.
The paint project utilizes the support of many community organizations and, most importantly, the time and effort contributed by many volunteers. The end result is that the lives of the homeowners, volunteers and supporters have been enriched by this wonderful act of generosity, and the community's appearance is improved.
Where does it happen?
The project covers ten Townships - Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Schaumburg and Wheeling. Preparation and painting take place in September. Paint-A-Thon date is Saturday, September 12th - alternate "rain" date is September 19th.
The project covers ten Townships - Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Schaumburg and Wheeling. Preparation and painting take place in September. Paint-A-Thon date is Saturday, September 12th - alternate "rain" date is September 19th.
Who qualifies for a home painting?
Oder or disabled homeowners of single family residences who are financially disadvantaged and who are physically unable to paint their homes themselves are eligible. The homes must be owner-occupied and in sufficient condition so that scraping and spot priming are the only preparations needed.
For applications, contact Catholic Charities at 847-253-5500.
A Paint-A-Thon is a major volunteer event. Teams of volunteers are recruited from businesses, churches, social service and civic groups. All Paint-A-Thon volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Organized youth groups must provide one adult volunteer for every five youth volunteers. Volunteers also supply their own brushes, scrapers, putty knives, rags and ladders.
Who can volunteer?
A Paint-A-Thon is a major volunteer event. Teams of volunteers are recruited from businesses, churches, social service and civic groups. All Paint-A-Thon volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Organized youth groups must provide one adult volunteer for every five youth volunteers. Volunteers also supply their own brushes, scrapers, putty knives, rags and ladders.
What happens at a Paint-A-Thon?
Once houses have been identified, inspected, and the residents qualified, a team of volunteers from the community will be assigned to scrape, prime and paint each house. All the homes are painted on the same day. Team Leaders must visit the home site during the week prior to paint day to do prep work such as scraping peeling paint, caulking, spot priming. On Paint Day, teams are expected to meet in the morning and complete the project by the end of the day.
How are paint, materials, supplies and other financial supports provided? Community partners are recruited from businesses, social service agencies, religious organizations, media, civic groups and municipalities to provide in-kind financial and personnel support. Valspar Coatings acts as the Paint Partner and supplies all the paint and paint caps for the project. In addition, Financial Partners, Media Partners, and Printing Partners contribute to needs ranging from small cash donations to painting supplies such as paint pails, caulk and masking tape.
Any questions? To volunteer or for additional information, contact:
The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago
2121 S Goebbert Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4297
Phone: 847-228-1320
Homeowners who wish to apply for this service should contact
Catholic Charities - Attn. Community Paint-A-Thon
1801 W. Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 6005-2410
Phone: 847-253-5500
www.catholiccharities.net/ccnw
©2009 The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago
