Homeowner Tern Richards said, “it’s like giving us a new home.”

That’s thanks to almost 30 volunteers who donated their time to give the Richards’ home a face-lift. An organization called Rebuilding Together stepped in when the Richards home was severely damaged by a fire, and the family’s insurance didn’t cover all the needed repairs. Members of the nonprofit group made repairs to the homes of low-income families, the elderly and the disabled.

Marian Bigelow, board member of Rebuilding Together said, “Irs a great program. It’s a very local program — neighbors helping neighbors. It’s something you can do and really make a difference.”

The event was part of National Rebuilding Day. A day when 8,500 homes across the country get much needed face-lifts. Volunteer Hal Bigeiow said, “The people who show up for things like this are really kind of fun people, and it’s really nice to be doing things together.”

The Saratoga County Chapter was founded in 2003 and has about 150 members. The group works with different agencies, such as the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity and local churches to find families that need assistance. Volunteers said as much as they give, they get in return.

Volunteer Eric DeWitt said, “It makes me feel really good. And just all the hard work we put in. and Just to see it look so good is really rewarding.” All the funds and materials were donated by local companies.

Volunteers were from all waflcs of life, but had a common interest: to show compassion and caring to those in need “I’m always helping people out, so it’s nice to be helped out once and a while when you need help,” Richards said.

The Richard family, who helped the volunteers with repairs, said they were grateful for am Rebuilding Together has done for them. “I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Irs a good thing.” Richards said. Next year, the Richards family plans to show their thanks by becoming volunteers