David Mcmurtrie overseas the repairs department at St. Vincent de Paul in South Bend. His crew of five is experiencing a shortage of items to repair because of a lack of donations. (WSBT photo)
Story Created:
May 8, 2009 at 5:10 PM EDT
Story Updated:
May 14, 2009 at 12:10 AM EDT
SOUTH BEND — St. Vincent de Paul is an organization that has for decades helped thousands of people who have fallen on hard times. Some may need clothing, some may need a heating bill paid; regardless of the need they give with an open heart.
For 36 years, David Mcmurtrie has been fixing gadgets and gizmos at St. Vincent de Paul.
"We can repair most of it,” he said, “and what we can't repair, like I say, we strip the parts and then we sell the rest for scrap."
Mcmurtrie, who has muscular dystrophy, says the organization has given him more than just a place to work; it's given him a life.
"I can work and give back, and they are not having to give to me,” he told WSBT News. “And that means a lot, because I'm doing it on my own without financial assistance.”
Mcmurtrie overseas the repairs department. The crew of five works on refrigerators, stoves, TVs — just about anything you want to donate.
"We work very hard to make sure what they get from us is safe, it’s reliable, and we want them to be extremely happy with it so maybe if they want to shop for another one they will come back to us,” Mcmurtrie explained.
Before each and every appliance makes it out to the sales floor the repair crew tests them. On top of that they offer a 30-day guarantee.
But there's a problem in the repairs department that needs to be fixed.
"This is the worst I've ever seen it — really,” Mcmurtrie said.
A lack of donations has left walls empty and the guys with nothing to work on.
"Yeah, you can see we are bare. I've never seen it this bad,” said Mcmurtrie, who guesses it’s related to the economy.
Mcmurtrie says during this time of need, they need appliances and electronics so shoppers can make it through these tough times.
Please join us to help our Neighbors in Need. WSBT-TV, WSBT Radio and The South Bend Tribune are teaming up with The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. You can drop off donations at any of their collection sites.
We also hope you join us on May 15 for our "Neighbors in Need Clothes-Out.”
From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. we will collect clothing donations in the parking lot of the WSBT Stations at 1301 East Douglas Road in Mishawaka.
Click here for more information.
