PUEBLO, CO (INGERSOLL RAND NEWS SERVICE) -- The "Team Trane" painting crew, along with 35 other teams, recently helped homeowners in Pueblo, CO, improve their surroundings and their neighborhoods by sprucing up houses with a new coat of paint during the 26th annual Operation Paintbrush. Sponsored by Neighborhood Works of Pueblo, the event targets elderly, disabled or financially strapped citizens.

Drawn from the Trane Commercial Systems manufacturing facility in Pueblo, Team Trane was headed by General Manager Brad Tacheny, and included members of his staff, a number of employees and even a few family members. Employees and volunteers participating included coordinator Gerald Cordova, Mike Filler, Harold Long, Don Fair, Brad Whitney, Scott Costantini, Mitch Meminger, Ben McCallum, Jerri Devencenty, Michelle Cerankowski and daughter Lorraine, Megan New and brother Kyle.

This was an especially meaningful year for the Trane volunteers. The featured speaker at the Neighborhood Works event breakfast was the gentleman whose home was painted by the Trane crew last year. He shared his background and expressed how the Trane team helped make his home more livable. He then led the assembled crowd in a round of applause for Trane, which motivated this year's crew.

Team Trane started painting their assigned house by 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, September 12, and were finished with painting, trimming and cleanup not long after noon. Team coordinator Gerald Cordova said, "I would like to thank everyone for their participation with Operation Paint Brush this year. Mr. Saxton and his family were so happy with the work that was done. His daughter, Denise, said that she hasn't seen her dad so excited in years. We made a difference in someone's life, and that family will not forget what Trane did for them. Again, great job Trane Pueblo."

Commenting on the day’s activity, team member Brad Whitney said, "Outstanding team! Thank you to all that participated and helped. The job looks awesome, and we represented Trane extremely well in aiding our community. Trane is a vital part of the Pueblo community and many of our employees volunteer their time, talent and efforts within the community.

"This is our fifth year participating in Operation Paintbrush," he continued, "and I would love to see us double our efforts next year, as this opportunity is a great way for the Trane Team to continue to show our support for the community, help people in need and, at the same time, have fun together."