Summer 1999 Newsletter

Seattle Habitat Home
Last Update: June, 1999
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VOLUNTEERING (2)

WHAT A GIFT...

I've had the chance recently to be a part of several organizational meetings for sponsoring and partnering groups. I caught myself smiling the other day when I realized how lucky I am to be a part of something really positive, something that really changes people's lives. I noticed it at this meeting, how people were so dedicated to volunteering, to building homes and working with their partner families. You see it on the worksite, you see it in the office, at committee and board meetings, and when speaking with organizational partners. It's an easy thing to take for granted, but stop just a minute and think about the community we are building by volunteering to share our talent and time.

I have seen the incredible volunteer spirit throughout Seattle Habitat and am continually amazed by what we accomplish together. It takes a lot to build homes and communities. I'd like to focus for a minute on a group of individuals who I have been lucky to work closely with over the past couple
of years. If you have heard a presentation on Habitat, if you have worked on site, or if you have joined a House Sponsor in supporting construction, have you ever wondered how it got started? Someone had the idea and asked the question, "wouldn't it be great to build a team, help build a home, and make a difference?"

Behind every workday, every successful House Sponsorship, every corporate or congregational partnership, there are leaders. These are the volunteers who initiate partnerships and communicate the vision. These are the volunteers who set goals, dates, and timelines.

SPECIAL THANKS

We have been so blessed in the last several months with an outpouring of gifts: time, talent and treasure. We wish there was room to mention everyone who has contributed to the success of our affiliate.

In particular, we would like to thank:

Empire Welding, Rod Seltveit
JamiesonConsulting Engineers
Pioneer Repographics
Rust-Oleum Corporation
Seattle Filmworks
Speakeasy Cafe
Stoneway Roofing
US Bank

These are the volunteers who raise the funds, raise awareness, lead meetings, procure construction materials, schedule and appreciate volunteers, and work one-on-one with homeowner families. These volunteers not only enable Seattle Habitat to grow, to build more homes, and to work with more volunteers, they also inspire people to get involved, to share and receive the gifts of giving.

Next time you get the call asking if you want to join a committee or work on site, be sure to thank the volunteer at the other end of the line for their leadership. To Dan, Karen, Kathleen, Barbara, Sarah, Darren, Tim, Bert, Barbara, Woody, Beth, Kathy, Traci, Donella, Jim, Marilee, Mary, Anthea, Roger, Suzanne, Meg, Jon, Nate, Chris, and many others-thank you for your inspiration and dedication. You have given so much.

Melissa Martin
Volunteer Manager