One hundred sixty-seven Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) volunteers recently united across nine project sites and four private residences during the 27th annual Project VISION (Volunteers in Service in our Neighborhoods) benefitting partner agencies of United Way of Aiken County.

“This day of donating our time and resources reflects the priority and importance our employees place on giving back and supporting communities throughout the Central Savannah River Area,” said Stuart MacVean, SRNS President and CEO. “The talent, dedication and commitment displayed throughout these project sites also mirror our day-to-day operations and is an important key to our company’s success.”

Established in 1996, Project VISION consisted of SRS volunteers who dedicated “Days of Caring” to apply their occupational skills and unique expertise to provide free facility repairs and improvements to agencies that otherwise rely on limited staffing and strained budgets. In 2008, Project VISION became a full-fledged program receiving an annual allocation and reporting relationship to United Way of Aiken County Board of Directors.

As part of the Project VISION assignment, Jeff Igel and Gabriel Hoffman replace ceiling tiles at the Salvation Army of Aiken.

“This is not just an experience,” said Captain April Tiller, Salvation Army of Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell and Edgefield Counties. “What we accomplish here today is a life-changing moment for every person here. The selfless acts, doing for others, and fellowship is what makes this a priceless opportunity.”

Salvation Army of Aiken received seven inches of new mulch for a kindergarten through fifth grade playground and ceiling tile replacement for multiple rooms. The organization serves over 110 boys and girls while focusing on core program areas in character and leadership development, community enrichment activities, life skills and educational opportunities.

“We are filling the gap and providing a safe space for kids where they can grow and develop in a nurturing environment,” said Tiller. “We are blessed and honored to have SRNS volunteers using their personal time to do this selfless act for our organization.”

SRNS Environmental Management Operations (EMO) Stephen Boan has been a part of this program since the ‘90s but is excited to work with many new faces this year. “We welcome any new volunteers with open arms. The ministry drives me to do this kind of work but there are many opportunities for anyone that decides to give it a chance.”

Many volunteers continue to sign up for Project VISION year after year. Douglas Brill, EMO, has volunteered with his favorite causes for the last seven years. “This is the best way to get out of your comfort zone, network, ask questions and be surrounded by different individuals. Today, this group came together and got our assignment done in two hours or less. If you ever get the chance to be part of something like this, it just may change your life.”

Volunteers, including Brill, packed food boxes at Golden Harvest Food Bank for local senior citizens. Golden Harvest covers 25 counties in South Carolina and Georgia and distributes nearly 12 million meals per year. Since last year, three times as many people are using the Golden Harvest food finder on their website to source affordable food in the area.

“Everyone is feeling the impact of rising grocery prices, particularly our neighbors facing food insecurity. We are so grateful for the volunteers that showed up today,” said Abby Muehlfeld, Vice President of Marketing for Golden Harvest. “One in eight people in our area struggle with hunger, so it is a huge job to feed the community. SRNS volunteers are at the heart of this initiative, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them come together to champion our cause.”

SRNS volunteers for Project VISION [left to right] Sean Hodges, Kadedra Burgess and Anna Jones pack food boxes for Golden Harvest Food Bank to distribute to senior citizens in Aiken, Barnwell and Edgefield communities.

“I am proud to be part of one of five teams representing the Environmental Management Operations organization participating today,” said SRNS EMO Senior Vice President Janice Lawson. “It’s an honor for me to work with people who believe in giving back to the community and sharing their talents with the United Way and with our friends and neighbors who need assistance.”

The nine partner agencies that received assistance this year included: Girl Scout Camp of South Carolina Midlands, Area Churches Together Serving, The Salvation Army of Aiken, Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County, Helping Hands, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Aiken Youth Development and the Aiken County Family YMCA. In addition to these agencies, volunteers worked on four community home projects to build wheelchair ramps and porches. Other team projects included: painting, pressure washing, landscaping, carpet removal, appliance replacements and interior deep cleaning.

To learn more about United Way’s Project VISION or to volunteer, visit: https://www.uwaiken.org/project-vision or contact Lizzie Abshire at 803-648-8331, Ext. 217.