Aerospace workers get dirty for a good cause

They produce complicated aerospace and defense products. They can handle a few dirty windows and paint brushes.

More than 40 employees from the UTC Aerospace Systems Wheels & Brakes in Troy rolled up their sleeves and donated many hours of their time to help clean and improve the Rec Center in downtown Troy.

The workers washed windows, painted walls and benches and helped with other needs as part of a community service project.

"This is a way to give back to the community," said James Wharton, president of UTC Aerospace Systems Wheels & Brakes. "This is a long-standing, important establishment here in Troy."

The Rec is starting a capital campaign in the hopes of updating the center for the 21st Century, and the paint and cleaning will help create a new look.

"Getting all of this furniture moved, a lot of cleaning done and a lot of prep work done for the remodel means huge things for the Rec," said Nicole Hanes, the center's director. "We operate on a very small staff, and so having 40 volunteers come in from UTC to help us out was very, very big for us."

The Rec provides a supervised recreational and social environment for teens after school. They have games, snacks, TVs and computers.

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