Rebuilding Together [Rebuilding Together 2009]

Rebuilding Together, formerly known as "Christmas in April," began in Midland, Texas in 1973 when a few generous people decided to devote one day to help some neighbors in need. The program acquired its name when one early homeowner exclaimed: "Why, this is just like Christmas...in April!"

In 1983 a Washington D.C.-based newspaper reporter covered the Midland program and published a catalyzing article that led to an outpouring of support to replicate the program there. A national program was launched in 1988 as Christmas in April USA. Twelve years later, the board of directors decided to change the name to Rebuilding Together to increase awareness of the organization's year-round efforts. Today, Rebuilding Together revitalizes communities from 955 cities and towns throughout 50 states with more than 232 affiliates nationwide.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula was founded in 1989 under the leadership of both the Junior League of the Mid Peninsula and Palo Alto and a community-based advisory board. The first National Rebuilding Day was completed in April 1990 when 500 volunteers renovated 18 homes and community facilities.

The Menlo Park Firefighters Association first participated in Christmas in April’s National Rebuilding Day in 1994 and then again in 1995.  In 1996 our Association actually built a playhouse for the “Dreams Happen” Playhouse Action.  Our playhouse was fashioned as a Firehouse and was purchased by an Atherton Family that donated it to Okalahoma City, following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

The building of the Playhouse marked the last official act that the Association officially did for Christmas in April (aka Rebuilding Together).  Following 1996, two of our members, Dave Dickinson and Tom Neylan continued to volunteer their time for several years with the other organizations within Menlo Park such as the Menlo Park Kiwanis Club and the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce.

In a recent effort to renew efforts in improving the community to which we serve, President John Wurdinger lead efforts to revitalize our once strong support for the Rebuilding Together Program, (aka Christmas in April).  The outpouring of support from the General Membership was overwhelming with over 30 members pledging to aid in the Association Efforts.

This year our Association will be easing back into the program slowly and will be co-sponsoring a project with the Menlo Park Kiwanis Club.  The Kiwanis Club will be taking the lead on the project, as they have been continually participating in the program for over a decade. 

Of the 30 Association Members three have volunteered to take on leadership roles.  These volunteers are Scott Hylton, Dave Bragg and Jeff Hendrix.  Since Scott has had considerably more time in the trades, he has been designated as our Lead for our Association.  Scott will be working closely with the Lead from the Kiwanis Club and it will be his call if our Association chooses to take on a project alone next year.

The Menlo Park Firefighters’ Association looks forward to April 25th, 2009.