Unite Work Camp is an annual event that draws young people from churches on both sides of the Mississippi River, to volunteer for three days painting houses, free of charge. This year volunteers from Morrison, Sterling, Rock Falls, Mount Carroll, Savanna, and Fulton, IL, plus Marion, Ottumwa, and Clinton, IA, are involved. Their community service is from Wednesday, June 7, through Friday, June 9, 2017.
Celebrating its fourth year, co-founder with Steve VanWyhe, Task Leader Ben Johnson reported there are “90+ students, entering 7th through 12 grade, and 30+ adults” involved this year. One adult volunteer was Brethren in Christ Church Pastor Craig Sipes of Morrison, below, front row right. Michael Bell and other youth pastors are involved in Unite Work Camp.
Ten crews simultaneously are painting: two houses in Morrison, two in Fulton, and six in Clinton. Morrison locations are 501 W. Lincolnway–photographed below–and 1004 Hilltop Drive. Eleven youths and three adults beautified the Lincolnway home. The owners, a couple and daughter, were nominated to be recipients of the painting. Anyone can nominate a home owner who can benefit. Applicants are screened for financial need, poor health, or physical issues that would prevent them from doing the painting themselves. Some homes are excluded because of safety concerns, such as being too high.
Unite Work Camp is based at Open Bible Fellowship, 11429 Ward Road, Morrison. Johnson said they leave the church at 8:30 a.m. and the work site at 4:00 p.m. After showers-in-shifts, there is supper and games. On Thursday, June 8, a worship team and speaker will address the group.
Ben Johnson, back row, second from right, and his crew rely upon donations from individuals and businesses. They pay for paint and supplies, food, drinks, and sunscreen for the volunteers. Contact him at facebook.com/uniteworkcamp.
