FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Groups of teenagers are spending this week rebuilding homes in low-income neighborhoods across Florence County.
Volunteers range from ages 12 and up. They are called “Life Changers” and their mission is to help those in need while spreading their Christian faith.
Life Changers is sponsored by churches of the Florence Baptist Association.
Director of missions Chris Smith says more than 80 volunteers from across the state and Pee Dee participated this year.
In fact, six groups of adults and teenagers are working on six homes across Florence County.
Volunteers offer free labor and supplies. They were also assigned jobs like roofing, painting and outside repairs.
Life Changers started in the summer of 2003. This year marks the fourteenth year people have come together for a good cause.
“It’s a great feeling at the end of the week because the kids are tired and worn out. But at the end of the day they get to look back and say you know look what I did today, not just sit home and play Xbox. Instead they’re outside using their hands actually doing something,” said crew chief Robert Bryan.
Since the group was put together fourteen years ago participation climbed dramatically.’
Homeowners say they couldn’t afford to fix their homes themselves, so they are grateful thanks to a group of teenagers.
“It’s tiring doing the work but at the end of the week when you see the owner faces and how happy they are it really makes it really special. It’s really nice,” mentioned twelve year-old Laura Norris.
“I just like helping people to be honest. I look forward to this each year. It’s just really fun to me,” said Sharif Crosland.
Life Changers will wrap up work at the end of the week.
The director of missions Chris Smith says he plans to take 20 adults on a mission trip to remodel a church in Ohio next month.
Smith says after their trip to Ohio they’ll be heading to New Brunswick Canada for more ministry work.
