Return to Remodeling: How Hearts and Hammers has bounced back after the pandemic

by Brenden Nickels

Each year, KA employees participate in Hearts and Hammers. During this event, volunteers refurbish a Twin Cities home owned by a senior with is a disability, and/or is a veteran or veteran’s family. KA’s partnership with Hearts and Hammers spans over 20 years and upholds our proud tradition of Strengthening the Communities we Serve. So while the event was officially canceled last year, Hearts & Hammers was excited to have some teams still step up to help during a pandemic, including one of our own, H&H board member, Josh Carr. “Last year was tough. We still had a lot of homes that needed help, so our Hearts and Hammers board of directors got together in smaller groups, to see if we could do a house while being COVID safe (6’ apart). Even though in 2020 we weren’t able to touch as many homes, we still feel it was well worth our time to get together with our families and friends to help out during what has been a tough year for so many.”

Earlier last year, I profiled Hearts and Hammers as part of our “KA Has Heart” spotlight. Unfortunately, just like with everything else last summer, the pandemic stopped any chance of holding the event then. But Hearts and Hammers resumed its spring program on June 12, and KA’ers were excited!

“It feels great to be able to give back especially after the last year we all went through,” said Assistant Project Manager and frequent Team Captain Connor Hart. “It’s a great opportunity to volunteer a small amount of your time. It makes a big difference for a family that could really use the help.”

Carr feels that he is making an even bigger difference than what he made before because of the pandemic. “If you think about it, Hearts and Hammers helps us to 30 + homes each year. The pandemic doesn’t stop these people’s homes from needing repairs, paint, and landscaping. Now going into this year we have a larger number of residents that need our help!”

Making a Bigger Difference through COVID-19

The event was held just like it was previously, but with a few extra precautions for safety, according to KA Executive Assistant Tracey Martin. The team was smaller for social distancing, masks were available for volunteers, with lunch served pre-wrapped.

Make sure that you follow Hearts and Hammers to stay informed and to pass on the word to others. You can find Hearts and Hammers on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter at @heartshammers, and Instagram at @heartsandhammers.

Brenden Nickels is Senior Office Assistant at Kraus-Anderson headquarters.