Christmas In April*Cecil County applications are available for anyone who would like their homes to be considered for repair or renovation in April 2009.

Christmas In April*Cecil County helps low-income people who own their own houses, but, because of physical limitations and/or lack of resources, are unable to cover the cost of even the most basic home maintenance. Typically, these individuals are elderly or have disabilities, but younger families and nonprofit facilities such as schools, shelters, and daycare centers serving low-income people also receive assistance in the annual renovations efforts.

Currently, Christmas In April*Cecil County is looking for projects to work on next year when hundreds of volunteers will spread out across the county on the last Saturday in April. All work is done on this one day and typical projects include painting, window and door replacement, handicap facilities, kitchen and bath repairs, and other home repairs. All labor and materials are donated to those helped.

Applications are available from all branches of the Cecil County Public Libraries, Community Transit and Senior Services, and local churches or by calling (443) 907-5289.

The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2008. All applicants will be contacted and final selection and visitation of acceptable projects will be completed by March 1, 2009.

Local business, service organizations, schools, and churches donate their time, talents, and financial resources to take on one or more of these projects each year.

In 2008, 35 homes were repaired across the county from Earleville to Rising Sun.