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Janesville students make volunteering a habit

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Photo by Bill Olmsted

Inscriptions from students of Jefferson Elementary School on a 2X4 that will be used in the construction of the Habitat for Humanity "Prayer House".

JANESVILLE — One group of students picked up twigs.

Another bunch raked the front yard.

And a third group took red and black markers and wrote their thoughts on two-by-four wall studs that will be used to frame Rock County Habitat for Humanity’s first 2009 House of Prayers.

“Best wishes to your family from Emily Wangerin,’’ Emily, a fourth-grader, wrote on one of the boards.

She was among 24 members of the Jefferson Elementary Thinkers Club who sold popcorn as a fundraiser to buy 15 studs.

“We tried to connect to different service organizations so these kids can find volunteer opportunities with their families. Hopefully, when they get older they will develop into responsible citizens and connect to their community,’’ said Jennifer Schrab, club advisor.

“So think about what you want to write,” Schrab told students before they began penning their thoughts.

“Write as small and fine as you want or as ginormous as you want. But keep your marker on the wood or cardboard. Don’t get it on the floor,’’ said Dave Thomas, executive director of the local Habitat affiliate.

Third-grader Jenna Rach jotted “Home Sweet Home” while fifth-grader Devon Hamilton scrawled “JET Club. Have fun ’cause people should have fun” before drawing a smiley face next to his message.

“Hope you enjoy the loving home,” was the greeting left by third-grader Jayln Duesterbeck. Next to her text she drew a heart and wrote “JET Club” inside.

JET Club Advisor Dan Kasten explained the importance of the students’ involvement.

“Most kids are giving by nature but don’t know where they can volunteer and help out. We try to promote community as much as possible,” he said.

That is one of the goals of this build, Thomas said.

“A prayer house is a way of getting the community involved instead of going to a sponsor,’’ he said.

“People can buy studs, donate money, volunteer their time or provide lunch for volunteers. You can come in (and work) when you can and leave when you have to,’’ he said.

It will take 351 wall studs to build the 1,150-square-foot ranch-style House of Prayers on South Cherry Street.

Anyone can buy a House of Prayers certificate for $2.50. The money is used to buy one stud, Thomas said.

“Prayers, blessings or good wishes are written on the certificate and the board by its buyer. Some donors only write on a certificate and allow the Habitat office to use their donation toward other building materials,” he said.

Certificates will be bound into a book and given to the homeowners, Thomas said.

To date, 130 prayer studs/certificates have been sold. Within the next 60 days, letters will be mailed to four dozen churches, giving them the opportunity to get involved. Schools, businesses, civic groups and families are encouraged to get involved, Thomas said.

The prayer house will cost $76,000. Before the build can start, 60 percent of the cash or materials must be on hand. About $17,000 has been raised.

The goal is to break ground July 1, Thomas said.

“So we’re on track,” he said, “and have got 45 days before the start of construction.’’

HABITAT FACTS

Here are some facts about Rock County Habitat for Humanity:

-- It is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate substandard housing in Rock County.

-- The local affiliate has built 49 houses since it was founded in 1990.

-- Homes are sold for no profit on mortgages of up 25 years with zero interest.

-- Each adult member of a partner family completes 250 hours of sweat equity by building Habitat homes, donating time to other nonprofits, attending a homebuyers’ course or doing other Habitat-related work.

-- Rock County Habitat for Humanity’s income is from donations from individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, mortgage payments and donor designations to United Way of North Rock County.

-- Partner families are selected based on need for adequate shelter, ability to repay a mortgage and willingness to partner with the local Habitat affiliate.

-- Funds are allocated and building is planned by the local habitat’s board of directors, in accordance with Habitat for Humanity International guidelines.