Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a 501(C)3 non-profit serving Greene and Putnam counties, celebrated its fifth anniversary June 4 with a ‘Picnic With Purpose.’
Despite heavy rain throughout the day, many donors, volunteers, members, and prospective members attended the event.
The group socialized, shared stories, and feasted on hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats prepared by volunteers from Lakeside Church.
NHN President Bob Massey told the group there is much to celebrate. Since the organization, formerly known as Men of Lake Oconee, was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, its founders’ original goals have been shattered.
One of NHN’s primary services is to provide critical or emergency repairs for homeowners who, for example, cannot afford to replace a leaking roof, fix unsafe wiring or fixtures in a bathroom, build a wheelchair ramp to access their homes, or repair a broken water line from their well. Working with local contractors, Neighbors Helping Neighbors has repaired more than 250 homes in the last five years.
Since 2020, with the help of members of the Mission Team from First Methodist Church of Greensboro-Lake Oconee, NHN’s Beds for Kidz program has funded and delivered over 700 newly built beds and bedding sets to children who have been sleeping on floors, couches, or sharing beds with siblings.
During the same period, NHN has provided over 30 used vehicles and repaired an additional 40 cars for families who desperately need transportation for work, medical visits, and everyday chores.
Massey also introduced Allyn Rippin as the new executive director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. He noted that the organization has grown to a point where it needs someone in this role to lead community outreach, guide fundraising efforts, and support members and dedicated volunteers as they take on a growing number of projects serving those in need.