INDIANAPOLIS -- Peppered with rain, snow and wind on a cold, dreary day, crews demolished the previous house of the recipient of an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" home on Indianapolis' east side.

As Bernard McFarland and his family where whisked away to a Paris vacation, hundreds of builders, contractors and volunteers tore down their old house in preparation for building the McFarlands a dream home within a week, 6News' Sarah Cornell reported.

Decked out in hardhats and blue shirts, hundreds of people toiled for hours to help a family that many of them have never met.

The demolition was uniquely kicked off by dropping a wrecking ball from a helicopter. It didn't do as much damage to the home as hoped, but volunteers were standing by to take care of the rest.

About 1,500 vendors are involved in the monumental task, including Raleigh Boreen and his wife, who work for Anderson Windows, which is donating supplies and time.

"Probably Monday night ... until about noon the next day, we'll have people helping put the windows in," Boreen said. "I'm looking forward to working ... on the job."

The selfless help from others is not being overlooked by McFarland's family, who said he would take part in the effort if he weren't the recipient.

"He loves God. He loved the neighborhood. He loves the whole community," said Phillip Glover, McFarland's brother-in-law.

The construction began on Monday, giving builders 106 hours to get the job done.

Show producers are looking for people who can show up at the home on Monday afternoon to be part of the May 17 season finale.

The crowd will be filmed for the opening segment of the show. Shooting begins at about 2 p.m. at Arsenal Tech High School.

Anyone who wants to be involved should arrive by 1:30 p.m. and prepare to be there until at least 5 p.m.

Producers want people to come as they are, wearing clothes and uniforms they normally wear to work.