Grad students create 'Christmas in April'

Miracles do happen. And for more than 25 residents of North and West Philadelphia, they are quickly becoming reality. Christmas in April, a national organization dedicated to aiding low-income homeowners live in safety and dignity, culminated this years' activities Saturday on National Rebuilding Day. And for the fifth year in a row, the students of the graduate division of the Wharton School have worked to renovate homes with the help of student volunteers and corporate donations. This year, 27 homes in Philadelphia received not only the students' handiwork, but also close to $90,000 in repair work and professional services. "We get four dollars of work out of every one dollar donation," said Cathy Fiebach, a second year Wharton graduate student. "We do electrical work, plumbing, painting and even patch the roof if we need to." Nationwide, 120,000 volunteers have worked to renovate 4,000 homes since the program began in 1988. And to the people whose lives have been changed through the work of Christmas in April programs, the work of these volunteers is immeasurable. "I'm very excited," said Katie Walker, whose home is currently under intensive repair. "Christmas in April is a blessing in disguise. I could never do this by myself. Everybody's friendly and works together." Walker presently lives in her home on Paschall Avenue in West Philadelphia with her two children. Her youngest child is living with the child's father until the construction is complete. Each house selected for renovation is evaluated on the basis of the family's income, age of the homeowners, proof of responsibility, and location. "It's a very tough decision," said first-year graduate student Brian Kasser, who explained that his committee was forced to select only a quarter of the homes referred to them for repair. "We always wonder 'can we do more?' And if we can't help them, we refer them to local city and government agencies." More than 1,000 Wharton graduate students, who make up nearly 50 percent of the program, have volunteered their time and effort to Christmas in April. "It takes a lot of responsibility," Kasser said. "I don't like looking at Christmas in April as a band-aid job." And the owners of the homes did not take the students' or sponsors' work for granted. "I'm still pinching myself," said Sylvia Robinson, the first homeowner to contact the program about renovations. "I certainly do appreciate it. It feels like a family. I just thank God for Christmas in April." Robinson is currently living in her home without running water, toilets or heat. The workers don't seem to bother her. "It's a pleasure for me," she said. "It means a lot." Thomas Gerrity, dean of the Wharton School, was present at Walker's home on Saturday, ready to help out. "This is just an exercise of outreach in our community," Gerrity said. "I think its tremendous as a very tangible committment." "And yeah, I'll pick up a paintbrush and get to work," he added. Patty Johnson, national president of Christmas in April, explained that the program gives anyone, including unskilled laborers, a chance to "pitch in." "We're giving this family [the Walkers] back a home that they can be proud of," she said. Also present at the renovation site were a few members of the University's men's basketball team and several government officials. Tom Carter, a representative from Mayor Ed Rendell's office, said he was pleased with the efforts. "I think this is a very good and worthwhile project. I'd like to see it city-wide," he said. "Being a resident of West Philadelphia, I'm really proud of all this work. I can't imagine a better Christmas." The events were supported by nine community patrons and 21 house sponsors. Each of the sponsors, in addition to the Wharton students, has put valuable time and money into the project. "They aren't just doing work," Walker said. "They're performing miracles."