The Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity based in Elkin is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special projects focusing on the "20" theme.

Their aid has extended through Surry County from Elkin to Dobson, Wilkes County in and around Elkin, and all of Yadkin County.

Four events are planned for the anniversary year. A new program for the organization involves home repairs on homes in need of renovations.

The organization is rolling out a plan to service 20 home repair projects over 20 years and to be completed by 20 churches. Materials are being donated by Smith Philips Building Supply and W. E. Sale and Sons. Labor is being spearheaded by the Elkin First Baptist Church under pastor Bill Johnson's recruitment, starting in late May.

"Finding churches to take part in this project has been the easy part," Morphis said. "Now we just need to get the word out there that people should apply for the service."

Suitable projects include same day Saturday turnaround fixes like dry wall repairs, handrail additions and wheelchair accessibility needs.

No payment will be required of home owners but guidelines must be met for low income status. Recipients of the service will be asked to donate volunteer time to future Habitat projects in return.

This is the first time the Yadkin Valley affiliate has attempted this sort of freestanding home repair program. "Other chapters do these projects on a large scale," Morphis said. "We think it will be very successful for our communities."

After the Home Repair Project and new East Bend home project kick-off for the anniversary, two fund-raising events will follow.

The annual golf tournament organized by the Yadkin Valley and Yadkinville Rotary Clubs will take place in the fall of 2008. The tournament has raised more than $15,000 in the past for YVHH. This year Executive Director Claire Sellars said they are hoping to raise $50,000 for their anniversary goal.

"It's a substantial goal but we are hoping that because of increased awareness and activities it will be achievable," Sellars said. Former Wake Forest Player and NBA star Chris Paul is participating in the tournament this year. Paul helped to build a Habitat home in Forsyth County and is committed to helping YVHH reach their goal.

The venue for this year's tournament has not yet been chosen, though Sellars mentioned finding a possible mountain location for the fall backdrop.

A gala fundraising event will wrap up the anniversary year in January to celebrate their twenty years of service to the Yadkin Valley communities. "We plan to reflect on all the accomplishments we hope to have this summer and celebrate," Morphis said.