The ringing of hammers striking nails and shrill screech of saws slicing through wood, along with the smell of wet paint, recently filled the air during this year’s SRNS Project VISION (Volunteers in Service in our Neighborhoods) charitable event.

Project VISION was established in 1996 as a way to help United Way of Aiken County partner agencies
with facility maintenance. Many of these agencies operate on limited budgets and contending with day-to-day costs is often difficult.

By 1999, Project VISION had gathered so much support from Savannah River Site (SRS) employees that
volunteers outnumbered the agencies needing assistance. As a result, the program expanded to include
basic home repairs. These repairs significantly improved the living conditions of disadvantaged children,
low-income senior citizens and disabled homeowners.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the hundreds of SRS employees who come out each year and accomplish so much for those in need,” said Joey Smiley, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Project Vision Coordinator and SRNS employee.

“Their concern for others and willingness to spend their day off to work hard to help them is inspiring. This is a very special group of people that I can’t help but greatly admire.”

According to Smiley, more than 200 SRNS employees volunteer to take a day off each year to work on one of 12 to 15 project teams. This year, 17 teams stepped forward to help.  Over 500 man-hours were invested in projects throughout Aiken County for this year’s Project VISION day, part of the “Days of Caring” United Way program.

Thousands of personal man-hours go into preparing for and completing the myriad of tasks accomplished each year in coordination with United Way of Aiken County.

United Way partner agencies receiving assistance this year include: Tri-Development, YMCA, Child
Advocacy Center of Aiken, Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County, Mental Health America of Aiken
County, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Helping Hands, Salvation Army and ACTS (Area Churches Together
Serving).

Team projects typically include clearing debris, applying paint, repairing flooring, performing minor electrical work, putting up dry wall, constructing fences, building wheel chair ramps, replacing rotting boards, fixing faulty plumbing, caulking and performing yard work.  Days of Caring Projects CARE and SERVE will take place in April. Project CARE will focus on residents of Barnwell County, while Project SERVE will assist those living in Richmond County.