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Volunteers Spruce Up 10 Dallas Agencies

Monday, February 23, 2009

In one of the nation's largest volunteer painting projects, 1,200 Sherwin-Williams employees from across North America covered 10 Dallas nonprofit agencies with 7,200 hours of elbow grease and 1,000 gallons of paint in a day of community service earlier this month. Werner Ladder Co., Purdy Brushes and Poly-America also contributed to the effort.

S-W teams painted the interiors of Homeward Bound Rehabilitation Center, Juliette Fowler Homes, Celestial Haven, Reconciliation Outreach, Central Dallas Ministries (Church, Community Center, Gym and Health Clinic), Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Garland Police Youth gym, Vickery Meadows Learning Center, and the Salvation Army (Pleasant Grove and Casa Shelter).

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of Sherwin-Williams and its employees for giving their time and talent to help Homeward Bound,” said executive director Douglas Denton.

"When I heard that Sherwin Williams was coming to Homeward Bound to paint our rooms, I could not believe it,” said a shelter resident. “We got to help pick out the colors. It feels so good to know people care.”

Clients at these nonprofits include former addicts, runaway teens, seniors, the homeless, abused mothers, students from economically challenged neighborhoods, and families learning English.

"This Sherwin-Williams effort is a blessing. The painting project will save Juliette Fowler Homes $30,000,” said Karen Matney Brown, vice president of development for the homes.

"The girls’ locker room at the Garland Police Youth gym was in such bad shape we discontinued using it. Sherwin-Williams is putting life back into the girls program,” said Lt. Dave Swavey, program founder.

In addition to the 10 painting projects, 100 S-W associates were stuffing 250 bags with toiletries, candies, wipes, food items, and CD's for soldiers in Iraq.

Sherwin-Williams also acknowledged its partners and their contributions to the day of service:

• Werner Ladder Company: 250 ladders and step stools

• Poly-America: 10,000 feet of drop clothes

• Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands, Purdy Division: brushes and roller covers

• Sherwin-Williams Paint and Coatings Division: Twist-N-Pour cans

• The Volunteer Center of North Texas: Making volunteerism a part of everyday life

• American Airlines: transporting gift bags to soldiers in Iraq