Video: Local Organization Changes Lives By ReModeling Bedrooms

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A local non-profit organization is changing lives, one room at a time. Rebecca’s Rooms creates re-modeled  bedrooms for children living with disabilities. Each room is customized to the child’s needs and interests. Their most recent project is for a Columbus boy living with cerebral palsy. Their work begins on Friday evening when the group of volunteers send the family away while they completely transform a bedroom. This weekend marks the 8th room re-modeled by Rebecca’s Rooms and all of the work is done in the memory of Rebecca Carter.

“Rebecca’s Rooms was founded in 2011 in memory of my daughter. She was 8-years-old and passed away December 27,2010 and we go to the houses of children with disabilities and redecorate and re-modify their room according to their needs and desires,” says founder, Reid Carter.

In less than 48 hours, Zalon Bates had a new bedroom space that once looked like this.. and now looks like this.

New floors, fresh paint and Mississippi State decorations are just a few things the group of volunteers worked hard to accomplish over the weekend. Bates’ father says the work of Rebecca’s Rooms is a true blessing to their family.

“It means a lot because you don’t have many people that really come out and do those things. It’s a gift and a calling for them to do it,” said Jeff Bates.

For the volunteers, it’s all about the moment Zalon walks in to see his new bedroom.

“Seeing their faces and their reactions when they get the room, they’re so excited and it’s awesome to see how they love everything,” said volunteer, Kari Thomason.

“It’s just been really great to see the process come along and then now to get to see his reaction to it. It’s been really exciting and anticipating what he’s going to say,” said volunteer, Karigan Johnston.

For each remodeled room, there is a sponsor or “RoomMate,” who donate $1,500 dollars to the project and plays a vital role in the success of weekend. Zalon’s “RoomMates” are Lowndes Funeral Home owners, Mr. and Mrs.  Pounders.

“Well it just means a lot. Helping someone out and especially all over the community like they do and I hope more people can get involved,” said Tim Pounders.

A variety of other local business also sponsor the projects and provide gift certificates for the family to enjoy.

For information on how to become a sponsor, or apply to be the next project, visit www.rebeccasrooms.com