Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 1200
Value of Time Served: $10,140
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
Date: April 17, 2014
Location:
12180 Park Avenue S Tacoma
Washington 98447, United States
About:
As Pacific Lutheran University partners with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, the Lute cross country team joined the effort to last week.
The partnership is working to build a home in a 30-home sustainable-design housing community less than two miles from campus called The Woods at Golden Given. As a university, PLU has committed to raising $10,000 and offering at least 1,200 hours of service during 2013.
“This was such a rewarding experience to work alongside my teams while they gave of themselves to help others,” PLU head coach Heather Kreier said. “This project gives so much to those that give a little time and sweat.”
With the 35 student-athletes on the 2013 cross country roster on campus for fall training, the men’s and women’s squads took some time out of their schedules to join the construction crew. The women’s team attended a work party on Wednesday, Aug. 21, with the men’s team heading out to the site on Friday, Aug. 23.
“What amazes me about Habitat for Humanity is its proximity to campus,” sophomore women’s team co-leader Lauren Knebel said. “It was an important reminder that you don’t have to travel far to touch the lives of people in our community. I feel very blessed the cross country team was able to contribute to such a wonderful organization.”
The teams worked with other volunteers, home owners and professional craftsmen to assist in the early stages of the home-building process. The women’s squad moved top soil to prepare the ground for sod for three homes. The men’s team dug water lines, painted roof eaves and filled the utility line trenches.
“I think that it was a great experience for the team,” Alan DenAdel said. “Everyone had a chance to learn some new skills and to learn something about Habitat and the people it serves. We had a lot of fun and gained a great deal of satisfaction from the experience. Many people are looking forward to future opportunities and are considering future volunteering with Habitat.”
The PLU partnership will continue through the fall as coaches and student-athletes from the other PLU teams combine efforts with fellow students, staff, alumni, retirees, campus partners and local congregations in the home-building effort.