Extreme Makeover

Moving Right Along

What a difference just a few hours can make. Since we arrived on the site late this morning, the exterior stone work on the home has been finished, along with much of the work around the base of the wind turbine. A lakeside gazebo has also taken shape in just the last couple hours. There certainly seems to be nothing stopping the local volunteers from getting the work done before the Urban family returns on Thursday.

Amish Lend A Hand

Among the local volunteers helping to build the Urban family a new home are members of the Amish community. They are lending their expertise in the round-the-clock effort to finish the home in less than a week.

Lots Of Volunteers

With the last two Extreme Makeover: Home Edition builds in Baltimore and Houston, organizers put out last-minute pleas for help from volunteers, even on the last day of construction. Fortunately, it doesn't seem that will have to be the case in Berks County. The Homebuilders Association of Berks County said it was overwhelmed with volunteers looking to help. The organization had no choice but to turn people away.

Makeover With A Twist

Berks County-based Bachman has put a new twist on the food being served to volunteers. Rich Bezila, the plant manager for the company, presented Paul DiMeo with a pretzel twisted into the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition logo.

Wind + Sun = Power

A combination of wind and sun will help power the Urban family's new home and keep their electricity bills down. In fact, builders say the system could work so well the family may get money from the electric company for the extra power. A number of solar panels are already in place in front of the home. And volunteers are putting the finishing touches on an adjacent wind turbine.

Celebrity Seen In Local Volunteers

Ty Pennington and the rest of the crew from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition aren't the only celebrities on the site. Some of the children who are here for an upclose look at the home are seeking out autographs and pictures with the local people who are volunteering their time to help build the Urban family a new house.

A Lot Of Work, A Little Play

While hundreds of local volunteers have working around the clock to build the Urban family a new home, some will pause for a little fun this afternoon. They'll take part in a flag football game at Hamburg Park this afternoon. Christie Brinkley and Leigh Anne Tuohy will serve as celebrity coaches. The suggested donation is $10 per person or $20 for a family. Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30. Organizers are advising spectators to arrive around 3:00.

A Helping Hand

In addition to the hundreds of local volunteers who are helping to build the Urban family a new home, there are people here from across the country. Among them is Leigh Anne Tuohy, who inspired the book and movie, "The Blind Side." She was portrayed by Sandra Bullock. Melissa just interviewed her for tonight's news. Tuohy started working with the EMHE design team this season. This is her second build. Later on, she'll be taking part as a celebrity coach in the flag football game at Hamburg Park.

Helping The Family

Volunteers here at the construction site are raffling off quite a few items that were donated by local individuals and businesses. The money they raise will benefit the Urban family. They're also selling "Move That Bus" t-shirts for $10, but those have been a hard item to keep in stock. They've run out until Kinteco can supply them with more. You can click here for more information.

Celebrity Chicken

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition site has been playing host to a number of celebrities over the past few days. Model Christie Brinkley is here today. And yes, she was dressed in a chicken costume when she struck a pose for Melissa a short time ago. She had just finished shooting a scene for the show. Brinkley is helping out here at the site. Later, she'll serve as a celebrity coach in a flag football game with other celebrities and volunteers. The proceeds will benefit the American Lung Association.