About 120 volunteers gave their time and talents on Saturday, Oct. 18 for the Southeast Michigan Heat's On/Water's Off Program, performing plumbing and heating service work for disadvantaged people.

It was the 12th year for the program, which features Plumbers Local 98 and Pipe Fitters Local 636 members fixing leaks, repairing furnaces, replacing smoke detectors, and doing other minor repairs for 72 homeowners who couldn't otherwise afford the work.

"This is my sixth year of volunteering," said Tim Neuenfeldt, a Local 98 plumber. "I enjoy helping people in the community, and the camaraderie with the other guys is great, too."

Contractors affiliated with the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Detroit donated trucks, supplies and equipment to the effort. Much of the preliminary set-up work was done by Greg Sievert of Local 636, Mike McIlroy of Plumbers Local 98 and Molly Forward of PMC Detroit.

"Year after year, we get people who go above and beyond the call of duty," said host Local 98 Business Manager Gary Young. "We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved," Over the course of the program, more than 1,000 homes have been serviced.

Added Local 636 Business Manager Jim Lapham, "It's a great program that has really grown with fitters and plumbers coming together to help the disadvantage. My only advice to you is, 'remember, no callbacks!' "

Dignitaries who attended included U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, and Detroit Councilman Kenneth Cockrel.

"You represent the best we have to offer," Levin said. "Times are tough - and I won't get into a political speech about why times are tough - but it's more important than ever to help people who can't help themselves."