United Saints Long-Term Volunteer: Danny Griffin
Danny Griffin, 23, from Naperville, Ill. decided to take a month off and volunteer with the United Saints Recovery Project in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He first learned about USRP and the need to help in the recovery efforts from his college friend Billy Berek, who has been with USRP since July 2012. As a recent University of Illinois graduate, he noted that Tuscaloosa reminded him of Champaign, Ill. because of the “college town atmosphere.”
“During my time here, I learned that it takes a lot of hard work to rebuild a home and make it perfect [again],” stated Danny. “I will take with me [from this experience] the knowledge of construction for my future home and will definitely be involved in more volunteering opportunities.”
He along with two other long-term volunteers and a site supervisor were able to continue improvements on Ms. Jackie’s home, as well as lead projects for the Indiana University Purdue volunteer group. He mentioned that supervising the lot clearing and meeting new people were among the highlights of his stay.
Danny plans to return to Illinois at the end of October and perhaps continue on with grad school and search for a job.
“The work was hard, however helping people is very rewarding.”