When Rebuilding Together of South Lake County operated its annual Christmas in September "building blitz" in Merrillville earlier this month, more than 50 of the 200 volunteers were members of CrossPoint Church in Crown Point.

Most of those members become involved in the annual goodwill project when the church first started in 2006. CrossPoint Church Pastor John Leitzel, serving the first of a two-year term as board president of Rebuilding Together of South Lake County, said the church became involved after looking at ways to help out with what people were already doing in the community.

"We think, if church is just about doing our thing in our own building, who are we kidding," he said. "We are trying to make our church meaningful in the community. Our followers in church really grabbed onto this."

Leitzel said it was "terrific" that the church was able to turn out so many skilled tradespeople in volunteering for the building projects.

"A lot of them are out of work, they're 'involuntarily available,' " Leitzel said. "But they have great attitudes. They need help, but they're willing to give."

One of the church members and Christmas in September volunteers refuses to let his disability prevent him from helping others. Terry Kleckner, of Wheatfield, developed a nerve disorder in 1987 at the age of 35, forcing the union carpenter into early retirement. Since 2000, he has used a wheelchair at home but a motorized scooter when he's "out and about" like the day of the building blitz.

"This is the best way for me to serve the Lord," Kleckner said as he used his cane to help stuff attic insulation into a hopper on one of the Merrillville homes his team worked on. "It's what the Lord gifted me to do."

Another CrossPoint Church member and volunteer, Gene Sinwelski, of Schererville, is a carpenter by trade. Sinwelski was helping build a wheelchair ramp for a homeowner at another site.

"It's very satisfying helping other people who really need it," Sinwelski said.

"Whatever needs to be done, we'll get it done."

Rebuilding Together of South Lake County rotates Christmas in September among the towns of Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Lowell and Merrillville.

Rebuilding Together of South Lake County, in existence since 1995, is one of more than 200 affiliates of the nation's leading nonprofit working together to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.

Other local affiliates, known for their "Christmas in April" building blitzes, include Rebuilding Together Duneland, Rebuilding Together Hobart/Lake Station, Rebuilding Together Portage and Rebuilding Together Valparaiso.

These affiliates, along with South Lake County, rely not only on volunteers but also on the assistance of many sponsors and community organizations.

Links to each affiliate and information on how to volunteer are located at http://www.rebuildingtogether.org.