In March, a group of St.
Mary's College students embarked on a journey that would change their spring
break and make a tangible difference in the lives of a needy family. The annual
college challenge for Habitat for Humanity took them to the heart of Meriwether
County, where they dedicated their time and energy to building a home from the
ground up.
The students arrived with a
shared purpose, ready to contribute to something greater than themselves. They
were met with the warm hospitality of the Rotary Club of Meriwether County,
whose generosity ensured that the evening was as nourishing for the body as the
students' work was for the community. Fourteen homemade pizzas, fresh garden
salads, and delightful brownies with ice cream set the perfect tone for the
week ahead.
As the sun rose the following
morning, the students found themselves in front of a structure with an already
laid foundation—but there was still so much to do. They worked tirelessly, side
by side, hammering nails, installing walls, and putting their hands to work to
make the house weather-tight before the week was through. Each student knew
that their efforts would go beyond just construction. They were building more
than just walls and roofs; they were laying the foundation for a brighter
future for a needy family.
Meriwether County Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of the
international nonprofit organization, played a key role in the success of this
mission. The organization’s goal was simple yet powerful: to empower those in
need by providing decent, affordable housing. The houses they built were sold
at no profit and without interest, giving families a fresh start and the hope
of a stable future.
As the week unfolded, the students grew closer to each other, the community,
and Habitat for Humanity's mission. By the time they stood back to admire their
work, the house was nearly complete—a testament to their hard work, dedication,
and the kindness of all those who supported them.
When the students left Meriwether County at the end of the week, they carried
more than just memories. They took the knowledge that their actions had helped
change lives, offering a family not just a house but a chance at a new
beginning. It was a spring break they would never forget — meaningful,
purposeful, and hopeful.