POCATELLO — Since 1987, the exterior walls of at least 550 homes owned by seniors in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area have received a fresh coat of paint thanks to volunteers associated with the Portneuf Valley Paintfest group.

    Team Coordinator Cathy McPherson is hoping to tack on an additional 18 more homes to the list come June. However, she needs more volunteers to sign up.

    “We do all of the leg work for them and provide all of the supplies,” McPherson  said. “We just need them to show up after work for one week. And, most of the teams finish within three days. It goes fast when 4-5 people are involved.”

    The 2013 Portneuf Valley Paintfest is set to kick off on Monday, June 24. The deadline for teams to sign up is May 24.

    “They do not need to have a whole lot of experience, just the willingness to help our seniors in need,” McPherson explained. “Although, volunteers do have to be 18 or older.”

    She continued: “We only work on the exterior of the home. They are usually

single-level homes or trailers. Sometimes we do yard work and clean up around the home.”

    McPherson is specifically seeking teams of five or more people. Although, she indicated that individuals can sign up as well. They will then be placed onto existing teams accordingly.

    Moreover, the team coordinator is in need of 6-7 teams of five or more in order to meet her goal for 2013.

    “The homeowners are always so grateful, and they have been such a valuable resource to the community over the years. I see this as our way of thanking them for past contributions,” McPherson concluded. “The entire community benefits from this too. We find that people in the neighborhood are inspired to clean up their yards as well.”

    McPherson can be reached at (208) 233- 5899.