American servicemen and women make many sacrifices for their country’s citizens. Numerous ways to display gratitude exist, but the Town of Flower Mound identified a perfect way to give back to one local disabled veteran: The Keep Flower Mound Beautiful (KFMB) Lend a Hand initiative.
John Baker’s aging house in northeast Flower Mound needed repairs he could not afford and he was notified by town compliance officers the repairs were necessary to avoid code violations.
At the same time, the veteran’s insurance company indicated the home policy would be voided if repairs were not made. Without insurance, the mortgage company may have foreclosed on the house.
Flower Mound-based Heritage Health Solutions presented Baker and his family a $5,000 check at the Town Council meeting March 18 to cover repair costs.
That weekend, volunteers from KFMB, Heritage and a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints repaired siding and painted Baker’s house.
Heritage also granted an additional $5,000 to KFMB to assist another disabled veteran in need of Lend a Hand assistance.
The helping nature of our community was exemplified last year when Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden approached KFMB and inquired about the Lend a Hand initiative.
“The Lend a Hand program is exciting for many reasons – the opportunity to help somebody, to see our local businesses get involved in the community, and to witness neighbors helping neighbors,” said Hayden.
KFMB President Marilyn Lawson was eager to launch the program.
“The program is something we wanted to do to help elderly, disabled or financially strapped people,” Lawson said. “It works well with the KFMB mission.”
To that end, KFMB works closely with the town’s Code Enforcement division to identify houses which require repairs to ward off a potential code violation.
“We’re (KFMB) known for picking up trash in our neighborhoods,” Lawson said. “But it’s so much nicer to be able to help people in need.”
That help continued with KFMB coordinating volunteers from RockPointe Church to work on an improvement effort April 28 and a local Keller Williams Realty Volunteer Day scheduled for this Thursday, May 9.
The Lend a Hand initiative also includes at least one weekend project per year where KFMB encourages volunteers and businesses to focus on repairs and improvements in a specific neighborhood.
The first neighborhood clean up day is on Pin Oak Drive in the Timber Creek area on Saturday, May 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lawson said the goal is not just working to improve the neighborhood, but to strengthen the bonds of the community. A block party is scheduled for the end of the workday as a culmination of neighbors, volunteers and sponsors enjoying each other’s company and combined effort.
“We’re going to work together, and then we’re going to celebrate our community together,” Lawson said.
The work provided to the veteran in need emphasizes the community spirit KFMB strives to display to all Flower Mound residents.
“To help somebody that’s fought for you and now be able to help him is very fulfilling,” Lawson said. “After completion of the repairs, it was nice to have him smiling.”
Several local restaurants will be hosting a fundraiser for the Lend a Hand Community Enhancement Initiative. Customers who mention the Lend a Hand program will have a portion of their bill at the following restaurants donated to the project:
• Baskin Robbins, 2221 Justin Rd.
• Chili’s (both Flower Mound locations), 1901 and 6251 Long Prairie Rd.
• Jimmy John’s, 2321 Cross Timbers Rd.
• Jason’s Deli (4 to 8 p.m.), 6020 Long Prairie Rd.
• Zoe’s Kitchen (4 to 8 p.m.), 5871 Long Prairie Rd.
In addition, the following Flower Mound businesses are accepting donations for the KFMB Lend a Hand initiative:
• Denton Area Teacher’s Credit Union (DATCU), 2935 Long Prairie Rd.
• Chick-Fil-A (both Flower Mound locations), 2001 Long Prairie Rd.
• Kroger (May 9, from 4 to 7 p.m.), 2709 Cross Timbers Rd.
To assist KFMB with as a volunteer or sponsor, please contact the organization at 469-828-9074 or at [email protected].
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