RINCON, Ga. — Volunteers attended a “demo party” over the weekend to help demolish the interior of 82-year-old Miss Peggy’s home, which was left severely damaged by a storm years ago.

A gloomy forecast and threat of rain did not deter the group from working. When the seven volunteers arrived, they were greeted by Centaur Home Renovations owner Matt Evans, who is leading the renovations. Masks, trash bags and tools were handed out as music played from a large speaker and fans helped keep volunteers cool in the summer heat. Orange arrows painted on the walls directed workers to the areas slated for demolition.

Leigh Carter, the first to arrive, was one of several who stripped walls and tore out drywall. Carter’s efforts go beyond renovations — she has also driven Miss Peggy to doctor’s appointments and helped her get rehoused last week at Family Promise of Effingham after a brief displacement.

“We want to get Miss Peggy back home in a safe place to live,” Carter said.

Volunteers spread out through the home, removing damaged drywall and hauling debris to a dumpster in the driveway.

“I decided to join because I thought helping somebody would be a good thing to do,” volunteer Sydney Kearney said. “I just thought it would be nice to volunteer.”

Repairs underway

Now Evans and Centaur Home Renovations are leading the next phase of work. Evans joined volunteers in the demolition and said community support has been growing since news of Miss Peggy’s situation was first reported in the Effingham Herald. 

“Since the article was first published, we’ve gotten quite a few reach-outs from people willing to donate their time,” Evans said. “We’ve also had four different dumpster companies donate dumpsters for the cause as well.”

Community organizations are also pitching in. Family Promise and the Manna House Food Pantry and Thrift Store have pledged to provide furniture and other materials once renovations are complete.

The most recent setback came when the septic tank lids collapsed, causing the system to stop working. Evans said crews are now cleaning the tank and clearing the lines.

What’s still needed

Additional materials still needed include:

• 25 2x4x8 studs
  

• Four sheets of OSB sheathing
  

• Twenty 12-foot deck boards (5/4)
  

• Twelve 12-foot sheets of sheetrock
  

• 36-inch vanity
  

• Two toilets
  

• Four ceiling fans
  

• Two bathroom fans
  

• 60-inch vanity
  

• 60-inch fiberglass tub and surround
  

• 60-inch fiberglass shower and surround
  

• 1,600 square feet of LVP flooring
  

• 36-inch exterior door
  

• Rolls of drywall tape
  

• Buckets of drywall mud
  

• Bags of 20-minute drywall joint compound
  

• 100 linear feet of baseboard and quarter round
  

• 10 gallons of Kilz or Cover Stain
  

• 10–12 gallons of white paint
  

There is no estimated timeline for completion, as more funds and supplies are needed. The GoFundMe campaign for Miss Peggy’s home renovations has raised more than $1,400.

Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/help-ms-peggy-return-to-a-safe-home.