Volunteers honored by Friends of the Carpenter

Fruit Valley — The volunteers at Friends of the Carpenter sure shine like stars. That was the theme of the annual volunteer appreciation event the nonprofit homeless ministry and woodshop held on April 17. Special recognition was given to Bob Tait, David Cambrey, Barbarita Gately and Kate McCarthy, who come in every week to make Water Pasteurization Indicators by hand. That’s a simple, low-cost thermometer containing food-grade soy and wax that slide to the bottom of the tube when they reach 160 degrees. That’s the pasteurization temperature for water, meaning it is safe for human consumption. Friends of the Carpenter has shipped WAPIs to Nigeria, Ecuador, India and other developing nations to help people avoid waterborne illnesses. They cost about $2 each. Learn more about Friends of the Carpenter at friendsofthecarpenter.org.