Habitat for Humanity comes to Clary Gardens
COSHOCTON – Habitat for Humanity’s youth group volunteered at various non-profit organizations around Coshocton this past week. The group helped out by cleaning up debris left from the aftermath of the storms that recently hit Coshocton; however, this was not their initial reason for coming.
Clary Gardens was one of the local organizations that the youth group helped out and their timing for it couldn’t have been better.
“We are absolutely privileged to have them,” said Lead Gardener Tracey Wiseman. “The timing was perfect, because we were going to work in the garden trying to get some things done since we have a wedding here on Saturday and then with the storm hitting last night (June 25) it’s just invaluable to have them here to help us. We only have a staff of three here so volunteers are always needed.”
Habitat for Humanity was established in 1976 and aims to support home owners, organize volunteers and coordinate house building.
“It’s about giving back to the less fortunate and giving them the necessities and a little luxury like everyone else in society,” said first year member Marie Horomanski. “Here we’ve painted, weeded and landscaped and some of us are working on an actual house, doing the walls and insulation and everything, some people are at Ridgewood cleaning out lockers and some are up at the armory mulching and painting. So even though we’re not all at the build sites we’re still giving back.”
One of the volunteers has been with the program for a few years and feels that being part of Habitat for Humanity is beneficial for youth to learn life lessons.
“This is my third year as chaperone,” said RJ Mclaughlin. “I’m helping out just trying to develop the kids and give them a sense of humility toward those less fortunate.”
Some of the members became interested in Habitat through elder siblings who were involved in the program.
“My older brother did it,” said second year member Tony DeFazio. “It’s kind of nice to help out the less fortunate or whoever really needs help and it’s also nice to be able to help out around the community. Since 50 of us came out and we can’t all fit on the build site, the rest of us are helping out at non-profits around the community.”
The staff at Clary Gardens was more than thankful for all the help that the Habitat for Humanity youth group gave them especially after the bad weather Coshocton experienced the night before.
“I’m just really excited regarding all of our volunteers,” said Director Chris Campbell. “Mother Nature did a number last night and we’re just very grateful that they’re here. We count on volunteers and the fact they’re here and the fact that they’re willing to leave a little imprint on our garden is very exciting.”
Category: Clubs & Organizations, People & Places
