ST. LOUIS - Nearly 100 families benefited from the time, talent, and donations of local union plumbing contractors as part of the 12th annual Rebuilding Together St. Louis event held on May 1, 2004.

Plumbing Industry Council (PIC) contractors, supplier members, and members of Plumbers and Pipefitters' Local #562 joined together to provide plumbing repairs and home renovations for elderly, low-income, and disabled residents in the St. Louis area.

Contractor members of the PIC donated approximately 50 service trucks loaded with tools. A wide array of plumbing products (sinks, faucets, toilets, etc.) were donated by PIC supplier members, and two supplier members kept their supply houses open during the event to fill orders. Finally, members of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #562 donated their time and talent to assist those in need.

"The generosity of the local union plumbing industry is an integral part of the success of Rebuilding Together St. Louis," said Lynne Rajani, executive director of Rebuilding Together St. Louis. "It is inspiring to know that we can count on them every year to step up and help."

The homes for Rebuilding Together St. Louis were selected after being referred to the program by churches and neighborhood and community service organizations. Individual homeowners can also request services of the program.

"Rebuilding Together is so much more than just cosmetic work - some of the people we help are living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions," said Don Orf, business agent, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #562. "Our members readily volunteer their time, and work to complete the jobs on Rebuilding Together Day."

Since its beginning in 1993, Rebuilding Together St. Louis has renovated 623 homes, including this year's properties. Every year, Rebuilding Together St. Louis renovates 70 to 90 homes. The organization is dedicated to helping homeowners live independently in comfort and safety.

The Plumbing Industry Council is a local union trade association affiliated with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association, which represents 4,000 plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors nationwide. The Council represents 140 union plumbing and mechanical companies in St. Louis.

Publication date: 06/28/2004