Pat Farrin struggled to find the words describing what it’s like helping a friend.

Farrin is one of many community volunteers who came to the aid of Geoffrey Marston, who lost his home in a February fire.

Farrin choked up when Marston received a $3,500 donation from Rebuilding Together Lincoln County on Sept. 17. Farrin, on hand when the donation was made, has donated his earth-moving services over the years to help families in similar circumstances.

But this time was different.

Farrin’s work benefited his fellow Boothbay Region High School schoolmate, Marston’s wife, Lorraine, and their sons, Sean and Aiden. The words came hard for Farrin, but the emotions did not.

“I get sensitive when I talk about this,” Farrin said, as he paused to regain his composure. “I love this community and the people in it. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. And besides that I just love helping people.”

After the fire, Farrin contacted Marston’s classmate, Tom Nickerson, to plan how to help their friend. The classmates organized an army of volunteers who provided services helping the family rebuild. The Marstons are rebuilding on the same plot on Marston Road in Boothbay where their home burned down.

Farrin, who owns Pat Farrin and Sons, not only donates his services, he has recruited others to do the same for more than a decade.

“Pat does a lot for the community,” said Fran McBrearty, volunteer operations manager for Rebuilding Together Lincoln County. “He spearheaded a lot of the volunteer work for the Marstons. He found contractors for the electrical, plumbing and cement work. He made a lot of this happen.”

Marston is preparing his lot for a new modular home. The Marstons plan on moving into the new three bedroom home in October.

But the insurance coverage and volunteer work doesn’t cover all the costs. This prompted Farrin to suggest seeking financial support from Rebuilding Together.

Farrin made some calls and Marston submitted an application. Rebuilding Together Lincoln County is a local chapter of a national organization that provides assistance so low-income families can keep their homes.

Geoffrey Marston is grateful that the organization has helped his family with their housing needs. He described Rebuilding Together as a community-based program that asks only one question.

“They only ask ‘What do you need?’ I think that says it all right there,” Marston said. “They stepped forward at time of need for my family. If you don’t need assistance then you should donate to it. It’s a wonderful program.”

The Marston family is one of about 25 projects that Rebuilding Together Lincoln County completes. Most of the local recipients are low-income families who are disabled or elderly, according McBrearty.

The local chapter raises nearly $20,000 year from various fundraisers. The organization completes most of their projects in May during “Rebuilding Together Day.” The local chapter recruits about 100 volunteers for the one day event.

The local chapter has the same goal of the national organization which is to keep families “safe, warm and dry.” McBrearty said the Marston family donation fits that criteria.

“That’s our mission,” McBrearty said. “This donation helps the family move into a new house. So we are certainly helping to fill all of those requirements.”

When Farrin heard about the fire he said “it broke his heart” and wanted to be the first in line to help.

When Farrin attended the check presentation he said his heart filled with joy seeing a friend’s family recover from a tragic fire and stay “safe, warm and dry.”