DryHome Roofing & Siding has selected Barbara Green, a recent widow and Loudoun County native, as the recipient of its ninth annual Free Roof for the Holidays program. Nominated by her daughter and many friends and neighbors, the life-long Leesburg resident will celebrate the holidays under a new roof.
“There was a tremendous outpouring of support for Mrs. Green from her friends and neighbors who nominated her. She has clearly made a positive mark on our community and given a lot to those around her, and now she is in desperate need of help. We’re excited to be able to make her holiday special with a new roof and hope it helps ease her burden,” said Steve Gotschi, DryHome’s owner.
Throughout November, Sterling-based DryHome accepted nominations from customers and the community to identify a Northern Virginia individual, family, or nonprofit in need. Receiving a number of nominations, DryHome selected Barbara Green as the recipient based on her needs, the condition of her roof, and how she’s inspired her family and friends through her hard work and community service.
Green’s husband passed away in October after a five-year battle with lung cancer, which exhausted their resources. At the onset of his illness, her husband lost his job of 32 years after his employer went out of business, leaving him with no benefits or retirement. In addition, Green is recovering from hip replacement surgery and had to attend her husband’s funeral in a wheelchair. Despite her ailments, she continues working as a school bus driver with Loudoun County Public Schools, a position she has proudly held for more than 35 years.
Green received more than 20 glowing nominations. In nominating her, neighbors, family, and friends provided these insights:
“My mom and dad are hard-working, ethical, and have never asked for a handout during their 46 years of marriage. She desperately needs a new roof…but with my dad’s passing, she was forced to use her savings to pay his final expenses.” –Kelly Wing
“Barbara deserves this roof….she is a wonderful and caring woman who has given service and time to others, asking for nothing in return.”–Brigid Duffy
“They are the most kind, down-to-earth people you will ever meet…After everything they have gone through, it would be good for something good to come out of it.” –Virginia Schrank
“I can’t think of a more deserving person for your free roof!” –Melinda McCandless
“Mrs. Green has given to this community over the years, and is now looking for someone to help her in her time of need.” –Mariann Boyd
“Her home desperately needs a roof before the winter… She has served the community, its families and children her entire life. She has no savings and now her husband is gone. We have been trying to fundraise to finance the cost of this roof, but winning this roof would be such a blessing for someone who could really use the help.” –Julie Anderson
“This is a warm and loving family that has been hit hard by illness and the economy.”—Sharyl Peluso
“There has not been a more sincere family…their kindness and generosity were extended to me on a regular basis. I cannot imagine a more deserving individual to receive this roof.”—Steve Saylor
“This program inspires the whole DryHome team. Using our skills to give a roof to a neighbor in need is a great way to finish the year,” added Gotschi. “Next year is the 10th anniversary of our free roof program. To celebrate, we plan to give away two roofs in 2012.”
Last year, Hubert Laconia, a grandfather and Korean War veteran of Sterling, Va., won the award. Other winners have included: Good Shepherd Alliance, a nonprofit that serves Loudoun County’s homeless, Reston Interfaith, a nonprofit serving the homeless; Falls Church Cub Scout House; Gabriel Homes, a nonprofit that serves adults with developmental disabilities; Mrs. Caylor, a Leesburg resident and volunteer; and Bernie Cline, an elderly Alexandria resident in desperate need of a roof replacement.
