The recently resurrected Lincoln Paint-A-Thon has a problem that will benefit a handful of low-income homeowners.
The three-year-old effort is expecting 400 volunteers this year, and they don’t yet have enough to do.
“It’s an interesting problem to have,†said organizer Marshall Ford. “Each year we grow a little more.â€
So he’s looking for more homes in need of fresh, free paint. To be eligible, homeowners must be able to prove they’re permanently disabled or fall into a low-income category. And they must be homeowners; in the past, he’s had to reject applications from renters.
Ford hopes his volunteers paint 15 homes this year, up from 11 each of the past two years. That’s possible because more people want to paint. When Ford brought back the painting project three years ago, 315 people volunteered. Last year, 350.
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It’s a low-skill, high-impact event, and most volunteers keep returning.
“They love it and they keep wanting to do it,†he said. “And then we get other people who are interested in it. We just kind of continue to expand that way.â€
For this year’s Aug. 18 event, organizers also found a generous sponsor in PPG Paints, which is donating much of the 200 or so gallons the volunteers are expected to brush and roll this year.
Homeowners have until the end of May to apply. If selected, they will choose from 10 color options, and teams of about 20 volunteers will spend one day preparing the home, and the next day painting. Volunteers aren’t expected to put themselves in any danger; Ford will hire professionals to paint the upper reaches.
Ford is also still looking for volunteers, and no experience is necessary.
“If you’ve got a steady hand, you’re probably going to be the person on trim duty. But if you’re willing to be outside in August, you’re in.â€
To volunteer, or to apply to get your home painted, go to or call Ford at 402-617-6466.