When Brooke Rigsby felt called to bring Project 4:12 to Tallassee, she believed the timing was right for something meaningful to happen in the community. The community service weekend was held July 9-11, bringing together volunteers from across the area to serve local homeowners, schools and businesses.

Project 4:12 began in Alexander City five years ago under the leadership of Rigsby’s father, Jimmy Yates. Although Yates never asked his daughter to start the project in Tallassee, Rigsby said she eventually asked whether he believed it could work in her hometown. His response — “I’ve been waiting for you to ask” — confirmed for her that it was time to move forward.

Planning began in November, with a board of directors established and efforts launched to identify homeowners who could benefit from the project’s services.

Project 4:12 is based on 1 Timothy 4:12, which encourages believers to lead by example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. During the three-day event, more than 370 volunteers, ranging in age from 12 to 80, worked together on service projects throughout the community.

Volunteer teams of up to 10 people completed a variety of projects, including repairing wheelchair ramps, building steps, replacing windows and air conditioning units, mowing lawns and cleaning yards. More than 40 homes were served during the weekend, along with all three Tallassee City Schools campuses and two local businesses.

Each morning, volunteers gathered at First Baptist Church in Tallassee for breakfast and a worship service before heading to their assigned job sites. Speakers included Tyler Stovall, a former Auburn University football player and MLB player; Bear Woods, a former Troy University football player who also played for the Atlanta Falcons and in the Canadian Football League; and Gabe Gross, a former Auburn baseball and football player, MLB player and coach. Each speaker encouraged volunteers to remember the mission of Project 4:12 and the impact they could make by serving others.

Organizers said Project 4:12 was more than a weekend of home repairs. It was an opportunity for the people of Tallassee and surrounding communities to come together in service. Volunteers represented more than eight churches, and students from Tallassee, Reeltown and Eclectic participated in the effort.

Rigsby said this is only the beginning for Project 4:12 in Tallassee, with plans for the next event already underway.

“The three-day service weekend highlighted the generosity and dedication of local residents,” she said. “(It) showed what can happen when a community comes together to care for one another.”

If you would like to find out more about Project 4:12 you can follow them on Facebook or contact them via email Project412tallassee@gmail.com.