United Way of the Lowcountry recently coordinated the 17th Annual Catholic HEART Work Camp.

More than 350 students from across the nation were in the Lowcountry to lend their time and talents to helping make life better for elderly, disabled and families in need throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties.

During the Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) Work Camp program, the students, along with 100-plus adult leaders and five local volunteers worked together on at least 55 projects throughout the community.

Work ranged from yard work and minor repairs to installing handicap ramps. In addition to working on residential homes, some of the groups worked on projects with agencies throughout the community.

Student volunteers come from all over the country, and were housed at the Hardeeville School Complex.

"The young people did simple home repairs including painting, yard work, cleaning, repairing screens and anything else that is difficult for an elderly or handicapped person to accomplish. It's a wonderful group of kids who have their hearts in the right place," said Bethany Marcinkowski, United Way of the Lowcountry's director of Education Impact.

"This program's mission is to revitalize communities and beautify homes of the elderly, the disabled and those who cannot afford needed repairs," said Marcinkowski. "It is such a pleasure to see the spirit of this group; it is so genuine. … At the end of the day, our local elderly and disabled residents enjoy safer and more attractive housing."

<em>Top photo: These are some of the more than 350 students who attended the 17th Annual Catholic HEART Work Camp. Photos courtesy of the United Way.</em>

[caption id="attachment_29173" align="aligncenter" width="1020"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/united.way2_.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29173"><img class="size-large wp-image-29173" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/united.way2_-1024x683.jpg" alt="Professionals helped some of the students with home repairs." width="1020" height="680" /></a> Professionals helped some of the students with home repairs.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29174" align="aligncenter" width="1020"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/united.way3_.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29174"><img class="size-large wp-image-29174" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/united.way3_-1024x683.jpg" alt="Students did a variety of home repairs, including painting. " width="1020" height="680" /></a> Students did a variety of home repairs, including painting.[/caption]