Focus

Recently, as I was cleaning out some storage space, I found my copy of Life's Little Instruction Book in a box of old books. Wildly popular during the early 1990s, the book basically reminds people the simple things matter.

During a time when the world is in turmoil as a result of wars, a depressed economy and a host of other worries, perhaps it would be wise to revisit the lessons in that little book and put some to practical use, namely realizing a small act of kindness can drastically change someone's life.

Next month, during the 2010 International Roofing Expo,® Hanley Wood LLC, Washington, D.C., and NRCA are encouraging all show attendees to participate in the event's first Community Service Day Sunday, Feb. 21, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Sika Sarnafil, Canton, Mass., and is in partnership with the New Orleans chapter of Rebuilding Together® (NRCA's national charitable organization).

Event participants will help rehabilitate the home of a family that is elderly, disabled or financially unable to support the renovation. Hanley Wood is seeking volunteers to assist with the work, as well as material and monetary donations. Materials needed include flashings, ridge vents, venting systems, shingles, ridge caps and crickets, among other items.

For a $25 fee, volunteers will receive transportation to the project site as well as lunch. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. To register for the event, go to www.theroofingexpo.com.

If you are unable to participate in the Community Service Day, consider providing your name and company information to NRCA's Community Service Committee. The committee will contact you if there is a need for charitable roofing work in your area. For more information, contact Chrystine Hanus, NRCA's director of meeting services, at chanus@nrca.net.

Although Life's Little Instruction Book has long been off the best-seller list, it still contains valuable lessons. Consider spending a few hours in New Orleans helping make someone's life a little more comfortable while giving yourself some "chicken soup for the soul."

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's senior director of communications.