Weekend at the Cross volunteers make a difference for low-income people in Alexandria

Doing small things can make a big difference in the community.

That’s what 135 youths and 30 chaperones from the United Methodist Church learned during the four-day Weekend of the Cross, when they built handicap ramps and porches for low-income people at 10 homes in Alexandria, Pineville and Boyce.

“It's doing small things and making a difference in your own hometown,” said Nathaniel Dela-Pena, 21, of Alexandria, about why he volunteered. “And I've been far away. I went to LSU, and I just graduated.”

He liked seeing people from different parts of the state come together here in Central Louisiana to try and make a difference in someone’s life.

“Mostly it's handicapped ramps for those who cannot afford to have a handicap access to their home, that's what they're building,” said Stephen Blount of First United Methodist Church Alexandria.

“That they're building right here,” he said of a house on Harris Street where volunteers were working Friday morning. ”They're going to come off that door and come with long ramp to this slab and make it handicap. And that way when this person gets here and parks, they can go straight into their home from a wheelchair.”

Rotten hand rails that are a security hazard also will be rebuilt, he added.

Blount and Mark Atwood visited 80 homes in the area. Because of time constraints and material costs, they could only choose 10, he said.

“We tried to choose the most pressing out of them,” he explained. “The ones that are in the worst situations financially and who really need access and they cannot afford it.”

There is still a need out there for those who have a desire to help the other 70 who need it, Blount said.

Applications for assistance were taken just before Easter, and preparations to host the event in Alexandria began last fall, states a press release issued by First United Methodist Church Alexandria.

Those not selected will be referred to other churches and local organizations, the release continues. And First UMC of Alexandria will provide assistance on a couple of other projects at a later time.

Mission work is a brand-new experience is a brand-new experience for some of these youth while a few are veterans.

"For instance, I just taught three of them how to operate the saw they're operating right now,” he said. He taught them about safety, techniques, and wearing goggles. As they work, they learn, he added.

"These kids range from junior high to high school,” said Blount. “There are some from the Alexandria area, but many of them are from Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Hammond.”

This was Phoebe Lytle's, 13, first time attending.

She has friends who volunteered in previous years.

“They said it was really fun,” she said. They asked her to come this year and she’s having a good time volunteering.

“I enjoyed coming last year,” said Addie Brauer, 17. “My friend invited me to come and check it out and then I really enjoyed the experience.”

She wanted to do it again this year since it was being hosted in Alexandria.

Dela-Pena, Lytle and Brauer said they were learning about logistics and how structure is important in a project such as this.

There was a delay in getting materials that slowed down the process but that was teaching them to have a positive attitude.

“We’ll have it done by lunch,” said Addie. “I know we will.”

The goal was to have everything done by Friday, Blount said, but some projects could extend into the weekend.

Weekend of the Cross was started at First United Methodist Church Hammond by Justin Proctor.

A news release states that “the event is organized by the leadership team of Weekend of the Cross - Northshore in conjunction with this year’s host, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. Additional support is provided through First UMC of Pineville, Horseshore Drive UMC and Newman UMC.”

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Weekend at the Cross volunteers make a difference for low-income people in Alexandria