Azalea Charities helps an elderly couple through Project Mend-a-House

In March, Project Mend-A-House appealed to the community to fund a new bay window to replace the existing rotting one at the home of Robert and Virginia Byrd of Horner Road in Woodbridge. Seventy-six year old Robert is a World War II veteran and for more than 30 years has been an accomplished Blues musician. His wife Virginia has difficulty breathing and is on oxygen. Although they envisioned their retirement as “the golden years,” they, like many other seniors, struggle to make ends meet, are physically and financially limited and have great difficulty maintaining the upkeep on their home.

Frank Lasch, President and CEO of Azalea Charities Inc., read about the Byrd’s challenges in the Potomac News and offered to pay for the new bay window. Clearly seeing Project Mend-A-House’s mission to help the seniors, disabled and low-income remain safely and independently in their own homes as long as possible, Lasch, on behalf of Azalea Charities, presented a check to the organization for $1,325.41, the cost of the window.

 Azalea Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds to support a dual mission, both internationally and locally.  Internationally, it focuses on Aid for Wounded Soldiers and locally, it supports youth and special needs. According to Lasch, one hundred percent of the public’s donations go to causes that make a difference in the lives of those in need. “The purpose of our mission is to lift soldiers’ spirits, enhance morale as well as provide a lifetime support program. Azalea Charities is proud to provide the Byrds with their new window.”

Although Project Mend-A-House volunteers have done multiple maintenance projects on the Byrd’s home, there is still more work to be done. They need to replace the bedroom windows and the kitchen floor, paint the exterior, replace the soffits and clean-up the yard. Even though the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City has offered to “adopt” the family, funds are needed to complete the necessary improvements so the Byrds can continue to remain safely and comfortably in their own home. If you would like to sponsor a project for the Byrds or another of Project Mend-A-House’s clients, please call the Project Mend-A-House office at 703-792-7663 or visit the web site at www.pmahweb.org.