Homesteads for Hope project
It was a nice spring day in 2017 when Lukas was asked if he would like to go with his grandparents, usually known as Opa and Oma, to the Homesteads For Hope barn/garage sale. He readily agreed. Upon arrival he spent some time looking at the items offered for sale.
However a posting of renderings on the wall really got his attention and he asked what they were for. Opa explained that the first one depicted what the place looked like now, but the others represented the changes they hoped to make as the project evolved into what the founders envisioned it to become in their effort to help older autistic young people and adults.
Lukas quickly realized that both physical and financial help were needed to achieve the developement of the property reflected in the renderings. Being only 12 at the time, he knew that helping with construction was not an option. But still he had a strong desire to help. Oma said they would talk it over after they returned home.
That is what they did and after several ideas were expressed it was decided that collecting and returning deposit bottles and cans for the refund was certainly an option. Lukas asked to be excused, went to the computer and in a few minutes came back with a flyer that could be posted and/or given to friends and family offering to accept the deposit containers and even pick them up if someone was unable to deliver them. Of course the venue for the drop off was Opa and Oma’s home at 336 Ogden Parma Town Line Road. Also as Lukas was too young to drive, Opa and his truck would be the transport vehicle. The summer and fall produced several truck loads of the containers and Lukas helped with the loading, unloading and accepting the cash they produced. He carefully counted it and hid it away. More bottles and cans arrived after the fall and winter holidays. By this spring the total reached $500 and we thought it could best be used now as projects at Homesteads get under way this year. Many thanks to those who donated bottles and cans. With your help the collection and return project will continue through 2018. The collection and return project will continue through 2018.
