Project Max-a-Palooza

On Saturday, more than 100 volunteers are expected to help make home improvements for senior and physically-challenged customers in Frayser as part of MLGW’s Project MAX, a community service program created by MLGW employees.

Volunteers with MLGW and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department will meet at Union Grove Baptist Church, 2285 Frayser Blvd on Saturday, July 21. Registration starts at 8 a.m.; the work begins at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until about noon.

Volunteers will replace water heaters, install 3 window air-conditioning units, caulk and weatherize eight homes, build four wheelchair ramps and hand-out over 400 small energy kits throughout the neighborhood. The event is sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Delta Builders, Miller Plumbing, Complete Electrical Service, Jones Plumbing and Neeley’s BBQ.

Since 1984, MLGW has provided a helping hand to seniors and disabled residents through the Project MAX program. The program helps more than 120 customers in need each year. Traditionally, Project MAX employee volunteers repaired the homes of low income individuals 55 years or older and, in some cases, younger residents with physical disabilities.

Over the past 28 years, Project MAX volunteers have installed attic insulation, made window and door repairs, caulked and weather-stripped homes and completed minor plumbing repairs. For homeowners with mobility issues, workers have built wheelchair ramps. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provides some funding for materials; local contractor and hardware store donations make up any gaps in material needs. To date, the program has served approximately 4,000 people.

In 2012, Project MAX turned a corner with an emphasis on reaching more residents and focusing on energy conservation. Organizers are partnering with local agencies to increase visibility and outreach numbers. Together with local community groups, Project MAX organizers hope to participate in three events this year.

The first partnership event of 2012 was the Hook Up to Clean Up Event held in the Uptown neighborhood. Project MAX volunteers teamed with Habitat for Humanity, the Uptown Neighborhood Association and BioWorks, distributing 540 conservation kits door-to-door. The conservation kits contain energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), switch and outlet sealers and hot water gauges.

“It’s good for MLGW to be out in the community talking to customers about energy usage and helping people understand how they can save on their bills,” said volunteer and MLGW Strategic Marketing Coordinator Thomas Chamberlain.

To find out more about Project MAX, call 528-4188.