Two Alachua County homeowners were given their Christmas presents a little early this year.
Cynthia Batey and Judy Peoples were selected by the Alachua Habitat for Humanity to get the exteriors of their homes cleaned up and painted as part of the organization's "A Brush with Kindness" event.
The event was in conjunction with the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, a day that honors those who died with community service projects.
Batey, a Gainesville native, said that she was grateful that her prayers had been answered.
"I'm just so thankful. It means a lot to me right now, getting some help, getting some support. It's an answer to my prayers," she said.
Peoples waited five years to get the work on her house done, and she was amazed at the turnout at her home.
Executive Director of the Alachua County branch, Scott Wingeler, discussed how he hoped that these projects would help encourage others in the neighborhood.
"We want to encourage people to continue to serve, to give back to the community," Wingeler said. "We want to lift up the neighborhood and encourage others to maintain their homes."
He also added that new volunteers are always welcome and just have to show up at the site. The projects will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information on these and future projects, contact the Alachua County Habitat for Humanity.