From left: Greg French, Gary Richard, Terry Vanlaningham, Tim Richard, Clyde Sexton and Tim Croy work on tearing off the old roof on Dan Penn and his mother Corene Hanson’s home at 112 W. Market St., Mentone, on Thursday morning, April 27. The work was done as part of Mission to Mentone, through which local churches partner for service projects in town.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

MENTONE — A service initiative going on in Mentone this week is “about sharing God’s love.”

Mentone Town Council member Tim Croy, who goes to Mentone United Methodist Church, said that to InkFreeNews on Thursday, April 27, regarding Mission to Mentone. Through it, volunteers are putting a new roof on the home of Dan Penn and his mother, Corene Hanson, located at 112 W. Maple St.

The project is set to run through Saturday, April 29, with workers starting to tear off the old roof on Thursday morning.

Having gone on for at least 10 years, Mission to Mentone is an annual collaboration between local churches, including MUMC, First Baptist Church of Mentone and Harrison Center Church. Repair projects are done for residents who need the help.

Penn said it feels “good” to have people fix the roof.

“I just really appreciate the guys doing it,” he said, noting his mother is in a wheelchair and he is going through cancer treatment.

Croy noted the old roof “had three layers of asphalt shingles” on it that were being torn off.

It was First Baptist members who started Mission to Mentone, said Croy, with HCC now heading it up.

Croy said workers Thursday prayed with Penn and Hanson before the start of the project and will do so again at the conclusion.

“We do whatever we can do to help out,” said Croy. “(Even though) the world is crazy, there are still people out there like us that care.”

Croy noted Java Jacks in Mentone donated coffee for workers Thursday. The town’s trash pickup provider, Apex Waste, collaborated with Bin There Dump That to bring in a dumpster for debris at no cost.

People are welcome to donate for future Mission to Mentone projects. Checks should be made out to HCC, including “Mission to Mentone” in the memo line. Donations may be sent to HCC at 965 S. 800 W., Etna Green, IN 46524.

Volunteers are still also welcomed for the roofing project. People don’t have to attend any of the participating churches or live in Mentone to help.

They can reach out to Croy at (574) 551-7662 to inquire about volunteering. More information will also be posted on the Mentone News & Information Facebook page, including regarding start times and weather updates related to the project.

Greg French tosses debris.