Self helps

Local teen P.J. Self paints shutters during the Good Neighbor Blitz, which began on June 25. Self and other volunteers made repairs on several houses in Fort Scott to help homeowners who were either physically or financially unable to make the repairs themselves. (Rayma Silvers/Tribune photo)

In spite of recent excruciating hot temperatures in the area, local youth P.J. Self seized an opportunity to help community members during the Good Neighbor Blitz.

While many people did not have time to help repair local houses owned by people who either physically or financially could not complete the work themselves, Self would not settle for not being able to help with the project. According to Self, helping people in need is extremely important to a community.

"These things need to be done," she said. "Probably a lot of them (people who are being helped through the program) don't have the resources (to do the work themselves). It's important to help because that's what builds a community. That is what community is."

Although Self relies on a scooter to take her from one place to another, she did not let that stop her from giving to the community. As of Friday afternoon, she said she had volunteered about seven hours of her time painting shutters and a house. In addition, Self said she had plans to help on Monday and Tuesday as well.

"It makes me feel glad that something needs done, and I can do it," she said. "I can help."

Helping those in need is not a new concept for Self. She said her parents, Max and Karen Self, have set a good example for her during her lifetime. She added her parents are always helping others when they see a need.

"They help when people need help," she said. "I've watched them do it. Now it seems very simple that I can do it. I think they are glad I'm doing something that I can do to help."

Self said that many of her friends are also helping with the Good Neighbor Blitz this year, and she plans to help with the program again next year if it is conducted.

The Good Neighbor Blitz is a project of the Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT), which made it possible for renovations to be completed on homes in Fort Scott that needed repaired or improved but whose owners were unable to perform the work.