The Plumbing Industry Council, a St. Louis trade association representing 120 union plumbing and mechanical companies, partnered with Plumbers & Pipefitters Local No. 562 to renovate 40 homes as part of a "Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April" project.

About 140 journeyman plumbers and apprentices helped provide free plumbing repairs for 40 families. Contractor members of the PIC donated 40 service trucks loaded with tools. PIC supplier members donated plumbing products such as toilets, sinks and faucets; a couple wholesalers kept their supply houses open during the event to fill orders.

Planning for next year's event is already underway, said PIC Executive Vice President G. Raymond Hefner, adding that he hopes to double the participation next year.