Russell County Habitat for Humanity celebrated the completion of their sixth house with a Volunteer Appreciation Program on Tuesday.

Volunteers, businesses and organizations that helped build this house located on South Ridge Circle were invited for a dinner and an opportunity to be recognized for their vital contribution within the community they live. The event recognizing the group was led by Linda Stephens, President of the Russell County Affiliation of Habitat for Humanity. While other board members, Betty Kimbler, Rosan Medaris, David Stephens and Charlene Skaggs were also there to facilitate the event.

Jerry and Doris Berry, along with their son Matthew, were able to move into the new home in November. Once all the finishing touches, like landscaping were completed, it was time to celebrate another successful house raising.

The Leadership Team for house #6 project was recognized for their hard work and faithfulness during this long building process. During the event Ronnie Stephens was recognized as the Construction Supervisor, Rod Buckson as House Leader, Mary Lynn Bobzien as Family Friend and Charlene Skaggs as Volunteer Coordinator. The members received certificates of appreciation for their efforts.

A Certificate of Appreciation was also given to Reverend A.R. Taylor Jr., to be shared with all the members of Greens Chapel Baptist Church for their very active participation on the home building. Pastor Taylor then spoke some words of encouragement and spoke of duty to serve as a mission of the church. Several members of the church were present.

Charlene Skaggs, Volunteer Coordinator, thanked all volunteers for their help and support during the build. T-Shirts with the Habitat logo were given to volunteers that were present.

The partnership family receiving the house, Jerry and Doris Berry, expressed their thanks to the volunteers and shared their pleasure about living in their new home.

Also recognized were Scott and Donna Nichols and their daughter Alannah, who were the partner family in Habitat's third house project. They were there to help recognize Paul Hill, who was House Leader during their project. Linda Stephens also pointed out that Alannah collects money for Habitat for Humanity, and every year for her birthday asks for donations or "birthday money" she donates in lieu of presents.

"Habitat for Humanity is grateful for all the support from our community of Russell County," said Stephens, "It takes a lot of people to build a Habitat house and we appreciate everyone who works on the house; who provides food to volunteers on work days; who contributes financially to Habitat; who prays for the work of Habitat. We couldn't do it without you," Stephens concluded.

Other Habitat board members that worked on the project included Larry Kimbler, Lewell Wilson and Joy Wilson.

In the near future, Habitat for Humanity will begin building two houses in Russell Springs. Families are needed for these houses. If you are interested in applying for a Habitat house, please call the office at 270-866-6690 and leave a message for an application to be mailed to you. We are looking for working families with children that need a "hand up" not a "hand out". Families chosen to partner with Habitat for Humanity must be willing to work on their house during construction and make a monthly house payment for 20 years.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry that builds houses for God's people in need. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, please call the office at 270-866-6690 and leave a message. Your call will be returned.