WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Volunteers help Red Cross with renovation
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LYONS GA (WTOC) - The little white house on Liberty Street looked quiet from the outside; but inside, crews hustled to prep the walls for painting. When it's ready, the Toombs - Montgomery office of the American Red Cross will move there.
They found out in August they'd lose their free spot in a Toombs County Courthouse annex that they have used for 36 years. When businessman Ed Johnson heard the news, he offered the empty house next to his office.
"I was upset about it because the Red Cross has been here so long; I just couldn't conceive of Toombs County not having Red Cross," he explained.
He offered up a deal, if Red Cross made renovations, the place would be their's free for five years.
"We first thought where in the world are we gonna get this work done, supplies, man hours, I mean we're talented but sheet rock and stuff, that isn't our thing," laughed Donna Lee of the Red Cross office.
But contractors, stores and other volunteers stepped forward to get things started. Since they have to be moved in by January 1, they'll be there almost every night, weekend and spare minute to get things finished in time. Johnson said the offer just seemed like the right thing to do.
"I've just seen so many things they do, they're always on the scene first and among the last to leave and they take care of so many things," he added.
He was just glad he can help the group that helps so many others. Anyone who is interested in donating materials or time to the project can reach Donna Lee at toombsrc@yahoo.com or call the Red Cross Chapter office in Statesboro at 912.764.4468.
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