Volunteers of all skill levels helped repair and clean up homes in five communities in LaSalle County Saturday. The United Way of Eastern LaSalle County sent the volunteers to about two dozen homes in and near Ottawa, Seneca, Sheridan, Marseilles, and Naplate. This is the 31st year the Ottawa chapter has done home repairs for low income and elderly people.
Tyler Angus was a house captain for a home on Ottawa’s south side.
Karla Higgins has lived in that home for a long time and can’t do everything by herself anymore. She helped the volunteer team though. Higgins says she’s grateful for their help.
A longtime volunteer, Mike Pearson, died last year, but wasn’t done giving. Following directions in his will, Pearson’s son and daughter gave $15,000 from his estate to the program. Steven Pearson and Kristin Adkins stunned Executive Director Shelli Ocepek with the announcement.
Labor of Love volunteers break up an old drywall board to haul it away with other junk from a south side Ottawa home October 1, 2022.
Professional electricians work at a home in Naplate for the Labor of Love. October 1, 2022
United Way of Eastern LaSalle County Executive Director Shelli Ocepek talks to the hundreds of volunteers in the St. Columba School cafeteria before they head to their work sites October 1, 2022.