United Rentals joins in 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' effort

JOPLIN, Mo -- Equipment rental company United Rentals is working around the clock in Joplin, Mo., this week, where employees are providing construction equipment and services to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" as part of the largest homebuilding blitz every attempted. More than 140 pieces of construction equipment will be delivered to seven construction sites in the city, says Trent Brumley, manager of the United Rentals branch in nearby Springfield.

The effort is part of United Rentals' fifth year of partnership with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which has relied on the industry leader for equipment and volunteers on more than 80 new home constructions. The award-winning television show has pledged to build homes for seven families in a matter of days, including Justin and Kari Nevins and their four children. The Nevins family has been living in a friend's basement since losing their home in the May tornado.

Brumley said his team has been supporting Joplin from the earliest days of the recovery efforts, coordinating equipment deliveries from throughout the district.