With winter approaching, volunteers are needed to help winterize homes throughout Story County.

The 8th Annual Winter Weatherization Blitz will be held Oct. 25. The Story County Coalition for Energy Efficiency, Volunteer Center of Story County, Mid-Iowa Community Action, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and Heartland Senior Services all sponsor this event as part of the national Make a Difference Day.

Volunteers will help weatherize the homes of veterans, military spouses, the elderly, the disabled and low-income individuals in Story County. Fifty homes will be winterized as part of this project.

“It’s an exciting day,” said Arti Sanghi, RSVP volunteer coordinator. “When volunteers start coming, they are excited about helping when we give them the supplies and their toolbox.”

Volunteers will install plastic sheeting around exterior windows, put weather stripping around exterior doors, change furnace filters, insulate light switches, apply caulk and seal doors and windows.

Homeowners will receive one or two draft stoppers to place at the base of their doors. All of the winter weatherization materials are provided, however, extra hair dryers and extension cords are needed to help install the plastic sheeting on windows.

“Homeowners always report a great day with volunteers and are very appreciative,” said Anne Owens, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Story County. “Each year they report a substantial savings on heating and energy bills.”

The project needs 150 volunteers. Teams of three to six people will be assigned to each home for a morning or afternoon shift. The shifts will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon and noon to 3:30 p.m. Team members will meet at the Collegiate United Methodist Annex building to receive instructions and collect their supplies.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend an orientation meeting from 6 to 8:30 p.m on Oct. 23 for training. If individuals are unable to attend the orientation session, a team leader will be assigned on Saturday to assist with installation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the volunteers.

“It’s a great volunteer opportunity,” Owens said. “You’re helping people help themselves in the long run. It’s something that has a lasting impact.”

Owens said she is impressed with the ISU community and its desire to volunteer. Out of the 150 volunteers needed, Owens predicted that more than half would be students. She appreciates that students take volunteering seriously and want to be a part of the community.

“There are people in the community who really need help, and it’s a nice way to give back to the community to help those people,” Sanghi said. “I feel that’s what life is all about. Some people are privileged; some are not. If we can help out and make a difference in their lives, why not?”