Plain-O Helpers focuses on fixing things that some Plano residents might not otherwise be able to do themselves or afford to have done.
Before most people clock in for work, volunteers with Plain-O Helpers are gathered for their weekly meeting, getting their work orders.
“This is very similar to rent-a-husband,” Plain-O Helpers Co-Chair Bill Frazee said. “Changing a flapper on a toilet is not rocket science kind of work, but the ladies, we get lots of thanks!”
Plain-O Helpers is a nonprofit, faith-based organization made up of mostly retirees. Every Friday, they fan out across the city to help seniors and people on fixed incomes do work at their homes that they might not physically be able to do themselves or afford to hire someone to do.
“At my age and in my condition, I need help,” widow Loretta Bonds said. “They are always here to help.”
On that Friday, Plain-O Helpers volunteers were there to fix a toppled trellis and secure a wobbly mailbox.
“You get to do something for somebody else and make their life a little bit better,” Plain-O Helpers volunteer Patrick Robinson said. “It costs us a small amount of time and a little bit of talent that we’ve had all these years.”
A short drive away, another Plain-O Helpers crew arrived at the home of widower Bill Van Horn to install shower grab bars, the organization’s most common work request. Volunteer Bill Downs is somewhat of a grab bar installation expert.
“Just doing a good deed, whatever it is,” Downs said. “A smile once a day; whatever it is, we need to do it!”
Plain-O Helpers focuses on light work orders that help improve health and safety for seniors and people with disabilities living in Plano. They work solely off donations.
“That’s perfect,” Van Horn said, inspecting his new grab bars. “They bring a tear to your eye because they do it out of the love in the heart, and it’s appreciated!”