Congratulations, Habitat Walking the walk

Watching the Democratic and Republican conventions over the past couple of weeks, whether one agreed or disagreed with their presentations and platforms, and found their messages inspiring or deflating, one of the best parts of these exercises in democracy had to be seeing so many people together who cared so passionately about their country and its governing. They were all hopefully acting on the belief that they were doing what was right for their country in the long run.

On the local level, many of those who want to make a difference in their own communities may run for office, or they may volunteer for a wide range of nonprofit organizations. And their passionate belief in what they are doing is no less, and perhaps even more, than anything that happens on a national stage. One group in the area that draws such dedicated support is Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary (see Alexander Wilburn’s story on the group’s celebration in last week’s Lakeville Journal.)

Habitat honored four longtime supporters at its July 23 fundraising dinner: one of the group’s founders and board member John Pogue, volunteer Judi Moore and donors Don and Diane Hewat. Pogue and Moore are both very public faces of Habitat, working at the group’s This ‘n’ That for Habitat store in North Canaan and picking up and organizing seemingly endless donations that are then sold to support the expenses of the homes the organization builds for local families. This system is a win/win: Those who purchase the treasures at the Habitat store benefit from reduced prices on what are often high-quality items for their own households, and those who donate the items are glad they are finding another life with new owners. 

The families who receive new homes they help the volunteers build are the real beneficiaries, as are the communities they become a part of, where they more often than not volunteer themselves once they settle in.

Kudos to the many volunteers who have for 25 years made Habitat for Humanity such a vital part of this area’s community support system, as well as to Executive Director Dawn Whalen, who makes it all come together. 

This weekend, Aug. 5 to 7, is Habitat’s annual Tag Sale at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, and it is a popular destination for anyone who needs anything for the home. Don’t miss it. You will be supporting a group with about  80 volunteers for this event who give it their all and believe completely in what they are doing to help their neighbors, every purchase benefiting their very worthy cause. 

And you won’t even have to argue politics to take part ... unless you really want to.