Paint-A-Thon kicks off in FM next week

FORT MADISON - The 2023 annual Paint-A-Thon is coming up next week with painting being done April 24, through April 28.

During that week teams will finish prep on the house and start painting as soon as prep work is complete. Volunteers are needed so get your group (friends from work, service organization, church group, etc.) together and call the Partners office: 319-372-5471.

“We have had a number of applicants this year with homes in ALL states of repair/repainting needs” said Tim Gobble, Fort Madison Partners Executive Director.

“I am looking for not only volunteers that are willing to help paint, but also those knowledgeable - and with the tools - to help with some of the repair/replacement needs for the homes as well.  Our goal will be three or four qualifying homes depending on volunteers. I want to thank our Premier Sponsors again for making this event a reality in Fort Madison.  Kempker’s True Value & Rental, Inc. has once again agreed to supply all the paint that is used and Community Action of Southeast Iowa will help choose the houses to be painted and do small repairs if necessary.”

WHAT IS “PAINT-A-THON”?

The Paint-A-Thon is an event in which volunteer groups paint the homes (owner occupied) of individuals living in the city limits of Fort Madison. This event allows homeowners with financial and physical limitations to have their homes painted free of cost so they can use their income to cover other important costs, such as medication, groceries and utility bills.  Residents will apply to have the exterior of their homes painted, then volunteer groups from civic groups, churches and businesses lend a helping hand to paint, and local businesses and residents donate supplies.

Who Can Volunteer?

The Paint-A-Thon is a major volunteer event. It takes 20 to 30 people per house with one volunteer leader.  Volunteers will need to make themselves available at some point during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week. 

Volunteers must be 16 years old or older (parental/guardian signature on waiver required between the ages of 16/17) to be a part of a team and willing to put in the work to get the house painted. Waivers will need to be signed by all volunteers.   Teams of volunteers are needed from businesses, churches, schools, industry, social service and civic groups, etc. 

“We will need a “Team Leader” to be a contact that can then pass information along to their volunteers (teammates) and help prepare for the home selection process," Gobble said.

 “We will be looking for people who can crawl up ladders (if needed) and able to stand for long periods of time during this process.  All are welcome to participate but the team leader will be responsible for delegating the tasks to those team members."

This project is great for anyone looking for an opportunity to help out others in the community.  If your group is interested in volunteering, contact Fort Madison Partners via email at tgobble@fortmadison.com or calling 319-372-5471.

This community beautification effort is a great way to help those qualifying candidates maintain their property (therefore helping local property values), increase energy efficiency, beautify the community and lend a helping hand to someone that may not be able to do it on their own.

The Paint-a-Thon is a collaborative effort between Community Action of Southeast Iowa, Kempker’s True Value & Rental, Inc and Fort Madison Partners- Beautification Foundation. 

This is a partnership venture to get something started for the betterment of Fort Madison and one funding source to the Fort Madison Beautification Foundation- a 501c3 Not for Profit organization.