Help center founder paid back for 30 years of giving

Northeast Hazel Dell — Volunteers from Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program worked together on a “hero project.” Lowe’s donated material and labor to replace the rotting deck on the back of Cecile Roth’s home.

Roth has devoted herself to her community, helping those in need for more than 30 years. In 1979, she started the Le Phare Community Help Center, and she helping those in need.

During the deck replacement, one of the hero project volunteers went missing. The volunteer later returned, crying; she said she had just spent 20 minutes talking to Roth and learned why she was so deserving of the proceeds of the volunteers’ work.

Dave Gray, AmeriCorps construction crew leader said, “At the end of the day, not only did Mrs. Roth receive a wonderful gift from her community, the volunteers and I left with an incredible, warm feeling that comes from giving of one’s self.”

Roth said she was grateful for the gift. “I don’t think I’ve ever expected such generosity and compassion or such joy in giving. Amazing! My thanks also to the great team at Lowe’s (Southeast) 192nd (Avenue) and Mill Plain (Boulevard store) for volunteering and their generous supply of materials. Again, I can’t say enough to praise these wonderful organizations,” she said.