ST. LOUIS — The Plumbing Industry Council, a local Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) chapter in St. Louis representing 120 union plumbing and mechanical companies, recently joined forces with Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #562 to provide plumbing repairs to 59 needy families in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

On May 3, 205 journeymen plumbers and apprentices participated in the “Rebuilding Together” event. Low-income families in the area were treated to free home renovations through the generosity of Plumbing Industry Council contractors, supplier members, and the men and women of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #562.

Contractor members of the Plumbing Industry Council donated 49 service trucks loaded with tools; Plumbing Industry Council supplier members donated a wide array of plumbing products (toilets, sinks, faucets, etc); a couple of supplier members kept their supply houses open during the event to fill orders; and members of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #562 donated their time and talent to assist those in need.

“This was the second time that the Plumbing Industry Council participated in this event as an organization, and we are all pleased with the ultimate outcome, which was assisting families in need,” said Plumbing Industry Council President Malcolm Sweet Jr. “Fifty-nine houses in desperate need of plumbing repairs were successfully completed through the generosity of Plumbing Industry Council contractors, suppliers, and the skilled craftsmen of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #562. We hope this is just the start of a worthwhile event.”

“Planning for next year's participation in Rebuilding Together is already under way,” according to Plumbing Industry Council Executive Vice President G. Raymond Hefner. “Hopefully, we can again increase our participation next year.”

PHCC has a partnership with Rebuilding Together to help repair the homes of low-income homeowners around the country. Rebuilding Together is a national, nonprofit, volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and revitalize homes and communities, assuring that low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly and disabled and families with children, live in warmth, safety, and independence. For information, visit www.rebuildingtogether.org.

Publication date: 06/09/2003