Many people throughout history have talked about the importance of volunteers.  For example:

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

And an unknown author noted, “Don’t ever question the value of volunteers. Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals.”

Since 1994, H4HNA volunteers have:

• Built 15 new homes for families living in substandard housing
• Contributed thousands of hours to the ReStore, financially supporting home building
• Helped put on dozens of fundraisers to raise money for Habitat
• Helped 24 homeowners repair and maintain their homes
• Educated thousands of people about homelessness, poverty housing, and how Habitat helps people in our community

We literally could not have accomplished all this without our amazing, big-hearted volunteers!

With this idea in mind, on June 24, Habitat celebrated our volunteers and showed them our appreciation with an outdoor BBQ.  About 35 volunteers and their families attended and enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, all sorts of sides and fixin’s, a custom Habitat cake, and root beer floats.  The volunteers got to meet and chat with each other, and the children played on the nearby swing set and colored on the tablecloths.

Volunteer Coordinator Jo Starr presented each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation, and many supportive local businesses donated raffle prizes.  Each volunteer received a Habitat t-shirt showing the floor plan of the 15^th house on the back and a special Habitat key chain.  Volunteers and their families went home with a great selection of prizes: massages, car washes, restaurant gift certificates, and tickets for the Museum of Northern Arizona, among others.  Everyone also went home with a big smile!

All our volunteers are special, but sometimes you have that one who really stands out, so Habitat chose a Top Volunteer who received a special prize:  dinner for two AND a massage!  This volunteer works in the Habitat ReStore and truly believes in the Habitat mission.  She is dependable and always there for her shift on time and with a big smile on her face.  When the ReStore is short-staffed, she is happy to step in and help out.  She’s a very creative, intelligent, and all-around great person.  The Top Volunteer Award went to Elaine Gommard, who started volunteering with the ReStore in February and in six months has donated 167 hours of her valuable time to help build homes in Flagstaff.

H4HNA is always happy to get more volunteers involved.  There are exciting opportunities for those with a variety of interests and any skill level.  To learn how you can help eliminate substandard housing in our area, please call our office at (928) 779-1314.

It’s no wonder we at Habitat love our volunteers so much!