MARYSVILLE Saint Josephs House got a fresh coat of paint the other day, thanks to volunteers from Windermere Property Management who spruced up the clothing bank as part of their day annual community service.
The clothing bank has been open for about 15 months but moved to a new, larger location last fall. The place is unique in that it dispenses just about everything a displaced person could need, from clothes and shoes to cooking utensils and more.
It was started by a local woman who made good on a solemn promise to God as she struggled to raise six children by herself. Today Lenora Bruce runs St. Josephs House with the help of a half dozen volunteers, including her son, president Danny Evanger. Altogether they help about 750 families in Snohomish, north King and south Skagit counties with the bare necessities.
They were stunned at the hard work and generosity by the Windermere volunteers and by Sherman-Williams of Everett, who donated the paint.
Its wonderful, Bruce said. It just brightens our day.
They did a wonderful job painting and refurbishing the landscape and adding flowers. There were about 30 of them, Evanger said. That was a true blessing, not only for St. Josephs but for the community, its much easier on the eye.
The realtors were teaming over the building on Marysvilles south side with ladders and paint brushes during the July 6 event, as a fresh layer of gravel provided by New Leaf Landscaping and newly-planted flowers brightened the place. The workers were scurrying all over the place in the hot sun, but were all happy as clams.
Brinda Faux was busy painting the trim on the front window as she recalled having some rough times in her past when she had to rely on services at places like St. Joes.
It feels good, Faux said.
They are doing an awesome thing for the community and so we decided to help them, said Diana Rice.
Owner and broker Ron Thompson said it was also a good opportunity for St. Josephs house to get some recognition for the work they do. All three divisions of the company were involved in the project, he added.
Tek-Sign company of Monroe donated a new sign as well. St. Joes needs donations of windows, fencing, and lumber, and has volunteers already lined up to install the windows and build a new garage. As they are wary of being a dumping ground, the clothing bank doesnt accept donations without prior authorization, and doesnt publish its address. To help or learn more see their Web site at http://saintjosephshouse.org.