Elderly and Disabled to Benefit

From October 9 Work Day

 LANHAM, MD, Sept. 12, 2004   Welding torches and pipe wrenches will be wielded on behalf of disadvantaged families during the Washington area’s sixth annual “Heat’s On Water’s Off” work day on Saturday, October 9, 2004.  On that day, members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington, along with Plumbers Local 5 and Steamfitters Local 602 will volunteer their time, expertise and material to help fix up the homes of dozens of elderly and disabled residents of the Prince George’s County area.

     From complete furnace systems to malfunctioning toilets and leaking pipes, the volunteers will be providing approximately $50,000 worth of free-of-charge plumbing and heating repairs to approximately 40 homes.

    “This is one of our most worthwhile programs,” said John Dunleavy, President of the MCAMW.  “The people whose lives we improve are so thrilled to have the work done, and the volunteers are just as thrilled for the chance to make a difference in the community.”

    As in the past, the contractors and unions will join with the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services and the Prince George’s County Fire Department in sponsoring the event.

   The “Heat’s On Water’s Off” program is sponsored nationally by the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, an organization of more than 750 companies who do service and maintenance work in the heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and plumbing industry.

    Volunteers will meet at 6:30 a.m. at the UA Mechanical School for breakfast, and will be dispatched to the individual homes selected by the county at 7:30 a.m.   Lunch will be provided at noon.