The Red Chair Project Transforms Homes for Needy

by Pam Tucker

(November 3, 2005) The Red Chair Project, a new ministry of the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church, sprang into action over the October 29th weekend. Beginning on Saturday, at 9 am sharp, volunteers began a makeover of a local family’s home.

A retired plumber installed new vanities in the bathrooms while an electrician rewired the living room outlets. An accountant with sewing talent made new living room curtains while someone else staple gunned new seat cushions for chairs in the children’s room. Meanwhile, a swat team of volunteers cleaned and painted. Like in a show from the Home Design Network, the home was transformed over the course of the weekend by donations of furniture and house wares and the building skills, decorating talent, and elbow grease of this group of enthusiastic volunteers from Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Rye, and Port Chester.

Vonnie Sullivan paints a children’s dresser.

Charles Rollins primes a living room wall.

A red chair, left behind on the front porch as a symbol of the support that exists within the community, was barely visible in the evening light as the volunteer group departed on Sunday. The family, who had been housed elsewhere over the weekend, was now inside the brightly lit home, enjoying their gift.

Don Santoro, retired Mamaroneck plumber, installs a new vanity in the downstairs bathroom.

Mariana Boneo-Lvoff, co-pres. of the Hispanic Resource Center, paints a bedroom wall.

The Red Chair Project is the brainchild of Patty Cozine and Theresa and Keith Spencer. The project collaborates with the Hispanic Resource Center and other community organizations to improve the homes of deserving local families. Whether it be fresh paint, carpeting, furniture or bedding, the project strives to create a warmer, safer home environment.

Scott Amrhein and Javier Viera, Pastor at the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church, move an air conditioner down a narrow stairway.

Left to right: Theresa Spencer, Patty Cozine, Javier Viera, and seated in the Red Chair, Keith Spencer.

Patty Cozine and Theresa Spencer explain,  “The Red Chair Project’s goal is to make a difference in our community, one family at a time.”

The project relies on the resources of local communities to help others in need. Financial donations, as well as contributions of new and gently used furniture and other house wares will be sought, based upon the needs of individual families.

If you are interested in participating or donating to the Red Chair Project please email Javier Viera, Patty Cozine or Theresa Spencer or Keith Spencer.

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