Giving Back — Businesses and the community come together to paint Peck Vaughn’s home
Published 7:00 pm Sunday, June 16, 2013
Everyone knows him. He has showed up with a group of men wielding hammers to fix your roof. You have called him because you needed a wheelchair ramp and he gathered workers to build it, sometimes dipping into his own pocket. He has fixed your floors and helped build your churches. If you needed something, you knew who to call.
PPG Architectural Coatings through Perkins Hardware recently donated the paint for the exterior of Peck Vaughn’s house. Finally, something is being done for him, instead of the other way around.
“We dedicated the month of June for community service month for Devoe Paint (brand the company donated),” said area representative for the company, Kenny Threeton.
PPG Architectural Coatings has donated many gallons of paint for projects in the Brookhaven area including Doll’s House, but this is the first time the company has donated paint for a residence. Threeton contacted Perkins, and Marty Moore, who is employed with Perkins Hardware, nominated Vaughn, 91. Vaughn helped with finding painters to paint Doll’s House and through this project, Moore found out Vaughn’s house was in desperate need of a paint job.
“He was telling me about this gentlemen and what he’d done for the community and I said, hey, that’s a no-brainer,” said Threeton.
Instead of benefiting the entire community this month, the paint company decided to benefit one man who had done so much to benefit the community himself.
“This is not usually what we do,” said Moore.
After Vaughn was approved for the project, painters were needed. Moore was in charge of soliciting painters, and Perkins Hardware provided any other materials needed. Painters were not hard to find. Over 40 people showed up ready to paint last Saturday, June 8.
“It’s just awesome. I couldn’t believe it,” said Vaughn.
Several men from Vaughn’s church, Macedonia Baptist Church, were there to help. Macedonia men have helped Vaughn on many occasions with community projects for others. Professional painter Benji Pyett also volunteered his time and skills. Members of other churches in the community helped paint, including Melissa Coone, who works with B-92 and the Buyer’s Guide.
“Bro. Owen from Harmony Baptist Church e-mailed me and told me they were doing this, so I decided to come out here and help,” said Coone.
John Douglas, drug court coordinator for the 14th Circuit Court District, brought some young men from drug court who had volunteered their time. Josh Coon volunteered, even though he does not have to do community service.
“They helped me out. I’m helping them out – just giving back to the community,” said Coon.
Threeton said the company is always looking for opportunities to benefit customers.
“We’re gonna get involved – just not giving a product, but we’re gonna be there to help you with it,” he said.
Garland Boyd, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, praised Moore for his hard work.
“This wouldn’t be getting done if it wasn’t for you,” he said to Moore.
After years of giving, Vaughn got on June 8.
“I just thank them and thank the Lord,” said Vaughn.