Sedalians lend a hand for Make a Difference Day

More than 15 volunteers from various organizations and churches in the area braved Saturday morning’s chilly weather to help paint an elderly Sedalia woman’s home during national Make a Difference Day.

Chris Patton, a member of Liberty Life Center Church, helped scrape yellow paint from the home at 211 E. St. Louis St.

“We’ve had the heart to help in the community for a long time now,” Patton said, adding that the day allows people to get together for a common cause and help.

“There’s a lot we can do alone, but when we get more people we can do a lot more,” Patton said.
Mark Kosifas, pastor at New Life Open Bible Church, brought volunteers from his church to help paint, rake leaves and fix things such as a leaning clothes line in the back yard.

“We’re Christians in more than name only. It’s not just a religion, it’s our life,” Kosifas said. “Christianity is about helping each other out.”

The home belongs to Dorothy Emerson, 77, who has lived in the house for more than 30 years; she said the last time her home was painted was in 2003.

“I’m really thankful for this,” said Emerson, who has arthritis and uses a cane to walk. Her only companion in the home is her Chihuahua, Big Boy. She said she would not be able to paint and do repairs by herself.

“I just love it,” Emerson said of the volunteers.

Sisters Emily Christopherson, 13, and Olivia Christopherson, 10, raked and bagged leaves with their friend, Mckenzie Vansteenburgh, 10.

“It’s kind of fun. I like raking leaves,” Emily said.

The girls woke up at 6 a.m. to get ready for a day of helping. The leaves were cold and wet, but it did not keep them from having fun.

“Everybody rakes my foot,” Olivia said.

Mckenzie said if the leaves were dry, they could jump in them, but she still enjoyed helping.
Emerson’s home will receive a makeover with white paint and green trim. Her yard and gutters were also freed of leaves.

Make a Difference Day also encourages people to donate books, toys, food, blankets and coats for the use of local organizations who help people in need.