A Volunteer’s Story

John Downs is one of Rebuilding Together St Louis’ most long standing volunteers and has worked on almost 600 houses. His first Rebuilding Day was in 1995 and he hasn’t missed one since. That’s 16 years! John is a member of the Rebuilding Together Express team and has been on the House Selection Committee for the last 5 years.

John first heard about Christmas in April (Rebuilding Together St Louis’s former name) when Lynn Rajani came to speak at a banker’s lunch he attended. He volunteered with Rebuilding Together St Louis while working but has become more involved since his retirement. “When I retired I wanted to do something to keep me busy and I thought of RT because I liked what they were doing”.

The best part of Rebuilding Day for John is helping people and knowing he has made there lives a little better through home repairs. “I love the work and I love the people we serve.  I also like the group of guys I work with.  When one of the home owners tells us thank you a half a dozen times and gives us all a big hug you feel good the rest of the day.”

In the last 5 years John has gone down to Louisiana 7 times to help the Rebuilding Together affiliates in New Orleans and Acadiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He goes for a week at a time with other Rebuilding Together St Louis volunteers.

John Downs