Paul checking out folderAbove: Dr. Dave took out a pair of sawzalls and said to Paul, “Look, there are two of these. One for each trailer!” At right, above, SHSM’s Lee and Paul pose with Dr. Dave, wife Twila and Kelly with the new trailer. Below, a peak inside the new supply trailer.

Empty trailer

 

“Are you kidding me?”

SHSM Project Manager Paul Smith is overjoyed with the gift of two new supply trailers.

It’s hard keeping a secret. Especially a secret as good as this one. For months now, Kelly, Lee and several other people throughout the organization have known that we would be receiving a new supply trailer for the Volunteer Program-- courtesy of a very special group of donors.

Brookings University has been volunteering with Sacred Heart Southern Missions for nearly two decades. When spring break rolled around this year, they made their annual pilgrimage from South Dakota to Mississippi. Typical of the season, the Mid South weather proved soggy. Actually, they were record-breaking rain days, making news headlines.

Not to be deterred, the Brookings crew tackled three home rehab projects. It was during one of these projects that the inspiration for the new trailer surfaced. Dr. Dave, one of the chaperones for Brookings, explained that on one particular day, the torrential rain made work impossible. Roads were flooding and the group had to go back to the volunteer house early.

“We had a limited time to get the supplies loaded on the truck and back to the shed. Everything was getting soaked,” said Dr. Dave. “I saw how Paul struggled. We lost seven pieces of sheetrock that day because there was no place to store stuff.”

Fast forward to the ‘post-mission trip potluck’ back in South Dakota. The group was reviewing the events of their trip and what would have made things better. It was noted that waiting for supplies to arrive cut down on the productive time for the group—not to mention the wasting of supplies such as the Sheetrock. It was then that they decided to raise money for an enclosed trailer.

The goal was $5,000. “The money came in fast,” exclaimed Dr. Dave. “One of our parishioners anonymously volunteered to foot the bill for whatever was not raised.”

Dr. Dave called Kelly to tell her about their gift. He inquired what else might be of use to the program. Kelly, not shy, told him that with all of the clients needing assistance and the sheer volume of projects, a second trailer would be the answer.

The group went straight to work. They would need about $14,000. The young people hosted Barn Dance Fridays (at the Dr. Dave’s barn) and any number of other events to raise funds. While the students were busy raising money, Dr. Dave was busy shopping trailers. He eventually found a company in Georgia who could tackle the project for a reasonable amount. The second trailer was completed in just 10 days. Dr. Dave updated everyone on their progress. The anonymous donor from the parish wrote a check for the balance on the spot.

Last Tuesday evening, as we had the closing ceremonies for Mission Education, Dr. Dave and wife Twila were on the road. They drove from South Dakota to Walls, arriving just after 10 p.m. Kelly was waiting on them, still carefully guarding ‘the big secret.’ They had been on pins and needles all day.

Bright and early the next morning, Kelly, Darryl, Dr. Dave and his wife parked the trailer behind the volunteer house. A quick phone call would do the trick. Paul and Lee Smith were on their way to prepare for another volunteer group. Kelly nervously paced the parking lot as Twila snapped a few pictures with her phone. Those few minutes seemed like an eternity!

As Paul and Lee rounded the parking lot, Paul caught a glimpse of the trailer. You could see the surprise on his face.

As he got out of the company van, Paul said, “What is this? Did we get a trailer?” The shock was apparent. “OH man! Are you kidding me?” Paul repeated these same words over and over as he made his way around the new trailer. Poking his head inside the door, he was still in disbelief. He looked like a child on Christmas morning, examining his new treasures.

Dr. Dave showed Paul all the bells and whistles. Brookings had made sure that the volunteer program would want for nothing. Every detail had been thought of. The inside of the trailer had been outfitted with shelving, cubbies and cabinets for all of the tools and gadgets used on jobsites. As a special treat, Brookings even purchased some new tools. Dr. Davetook out a pair of sawzalls and said to Paul, “Look, there are two of these. One for each trailer!”

It didn’t register at first. A moment later, Paul chuckled. “Oh, we are getting another trailer,” he asked jokingly.
Everyone immediately confirmed in a united, “Yes!”

Paul’s enthusiasm could not be contained as he exclaimed, “Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?” It was priceless.

Dr. Dave and his wife shared with Paul and Lee the story of the two trailers and explained that the second trailer was awaiting pickup in Georgia and would be here soon.

Although was a shame to lose seven sheets of drywall, I for one am glad we did. It opened the door for two incredible gifts from a group of people who already give us the most precious of gifts… themselves.

Thank you Brookings University!

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