This story has been updated with additional information and a provided photo.
During the monster hail storm that hit Canyon on June 14, dubbed the “hail-ageddon” by some folks, the Canyon Senior Citizens Center on 1715 5th Ave. sustained heavy damage on the west side, as did many other Canyon homes, apartments, cars and businesses.
To help pay for storm recovery and repairs, the group had a garage sale/bake sale Saturday morning, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center. The event also featured some unusual artwork — pieces created and repurposed from remnants of the broken windows. After the event, George Hammontree, president of the group, shared that they had made $5,500 from generous Canyon residents who chipped in to help and buy items.
All in all, he said that he had pledges worth $150,000 coming, but not in his hands at this time. He emphasized that it was “Jesus who set my goal, not me. When the money stops, that’s where my total will be.” Hammontree said he was guided by his faith to use money to upgrade the facility as well as repair it. Housed in a former church, the Canyon Senior Citizens Center bought the property around 1970, and it is shared with Canyon Cares, who maintains a pantry for seniors in need, Hammontree said. At Saturday’s event, there was also a raffle for $200 and gift cards from donors for meat and other items, as well as the unique pieces of art.
Faced with window damage that could cost up to $100,000 with repairs, the group got together and collected the shattered glass. Canyon citizen Stephen Keith then took pieces of that glass and made a framed, stained-glass version of the Palo Duro Canyon Lighthouse, to be sold to help pay for damages. Also, Big Papa’s Glass in Canyon made some stained glass wind chimes, which will sell for $50 each and can be ordered.
For more information, contact the Canyon Senior Citizens Association at 806-655-7191.
Currently, the windows have been covered with plywood and aren’t visible from inside, but they will be fixed. Hammontree said he prayed about it and that he believes they can make enough to not only fix the windows, but also upgrade their facilities. Little has been done through the years to upgrade the area but it still retains a cozy, welcoming aura.
Hammontree said that he has already gotten some donations from Canyon businesses that help and he will continue to work on the fundraising for it. He said that he credits God for all that has been done to help and that his phone is on 24/7 for people in need of food or help. “We want the Senior Citizens Center to be visually welcoming center,” he said. Currently, the area has a nice kitchen and older carpet from the ’70s.
The former Christian Church itself was built around 1930 and it was designed like the Methodist Church, according to Hammontree. In 1976, it became the Canyon Senior Citizens Center, when they bought it for $25,000. It is strictly paid for by donations and dues, which are $20 a year.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Art made from storm-shattered glass sold during Canyon center’s fundraiser
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
