NIPSCO employees showed their caring side on August 23rd, when they gathered across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties for the United Way Day of Caring. The workers partnered with the non-profit to perform a variety of tasks, from landscaping to siding, to providing clean up services. “We’re all over today,” shared Kathleen Szot, NIPSCO’s External Communications Manager. “The Day of Caring is such a great tradition!”
A group of employees joined forces with Porter County Habitat for Humanity on their current project, building a duplex home for two families in Valparaiso. “We have a really good mix of experienced workers on this project, a good mix of different walks of life,” Szot went on to say, sharing how one team member in particular has rehabbed 15 homes in his time and even brought his own tools to the project.
The workers spent the morning hours installing new siding on the duplex, with the seasoned workers at the helm, offering direction to those new to swinging a hammer. Affectionately naming their team the “Power Rangers,” the excitement of helping others was evident, as the members worked quickly and efficiently in several teams. “Seeing a tangible difference in the community is really cool,” Szot said.
“This is amazing,” stated Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Topping. “This is really hard work. We really appreciate that NIPSCO is out here today!”
This particular build project began on May 8th, with volunteers coming out to work every Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm. “We are hoping if we get a steady stream of volunteers, to have the house done by the end of October, beginning of November,” Topping went on to say.
Those wishing to volunteer are not required to have prior building knowledge. “We’ll show them what to do!” Topping enthused. Habitat for Humanity is always seeking volunteers; this year is no exception. “Typically we build one house a year. This year we are on pace to build three and start a fourth.” For those wishing to lend a helping hand, contact Topping at danielle@portercountyhabitat.org.