Students from Wheeler, Walton, Pope, Kennesaw Mountain and Campbell High Schools Fundraise and Build Home for a Deserving Family in Austell
Two young girls and their mother, Natasha (last name withheld), will move into a new, affordable home in Austell all thanks to more than 350 selfless teenagers who are members of Habitat Clubs at each school that form the Cobb High School Coalition for Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta.
“We have met the students and they are so respectful, and really care about the work they are doing,” the mother of two said. “Although my daughters cannot participate due to their age, I am seeing a spark of philanthropy light up in them because they keep telling me that they can’t wait to give back to Habitat!”
The inspiration for Natasha’s daughters comes from all the students from Wheeler, Walton, Pope, Kennesaw Mountain and Campbell High Schools who make up the coalition.
Since 1997, the high school coalition has helped build over 30 homes for Habitat families. As students, they believe in the need for affordable housing and they encourage family and friends to get involved. At Walton, Habitat has become the “coolest club” in school.
And, this year was no different.
On Saturday, April 11, a group of students from Walton and Campbell High Schools took part in cleaning and painting the home that will be dedicated to the deserving family on May 9, 2015.
The students have been a part of the home since the beginning from fundraising to finishing the home for its dedication. The schools took different approaches to raise the $65,000 to pay for the building materials needed for the Habitat build.
Campbell High sophomores Mariah Christian and Parker Penick recalled fundraising as not only an integral part of the mission, but also one of the most fun activities.
“We hosted a yard sale, movie nights and sold tickets to the basketball games and dances,” said Christian, whose parents were involved in Habitat.
Walton High School students held their own fundraiser such as raising money through family and friends and hosting a horse plop raffle.
Penick added, “It is really great to see our efforts go towards something that will help someone else. It’s such an awesome house!”