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A Virtual Habitat Holiday Celebration

Friday, December 18, 2020

There’s something magical about this time of year, and as everyone prepares for its close, we also like to take time to celebrate its joys. It’s during this time that we’re reminded of those who have had a profound impact on our lives, who have heralded us through the ups and downs. For us at Habitat BMCit’s our partner families and volunteers! 

Under usual circumstances we would host multiple events throughout the year, but we’ve had to limit in-person activities for everyone’s safety – even at our work sites. We didn’t want to end the year without celebrating and spending time with one another, so on Thursday we hosted “Habitat for the Holidays.” 

“It felt so wonderful to be able to bring everyone together virtually, we hope they got a sense of just how much they mean to us and our organization,” said event host and Volunteer Manager, Laura Van Booven. 

It was such a treat to hear everyone’s victories in 2020, both big and small, as well as stories of their connection to habitat and each other.  

Laura Gibson, a homeowner who received repairs as a part of Rock the Block, spoke about her old home, which was built before 1910! She and her family moved to Palmyra for the affordability and have put a lot of work in the interior over the last decade, but the aging exterior was a big challenge. “It was nice to get an extra helping hand, and seeing Brian (Habitat Staff) teaching skills really empowered me to learn and take on more with my home,” Laura reflected. 

Abby House, a partner family soon to move into a new home in Palmyra, shared her feelings as she looked around the neighborhood for the first timeShe said, “I love gardening, and I was unsure at first if the area was what we were looking for. But if you ever drive in town, you’ll see the flags. They say ‘Palmyra, a place to grow’.” 

special highlight of the event was a story shared between our two speakers meeting for the first timeTony House, a partner family, was putting in sweat equity by volunteering at Laura Gibson’s home during the Rock the Block event. When she heard he and his family would be moving to Palmyra, she shared a list of her favorite local eateries – a perfect “welcome to the neighborhood” gift! 

So, while this season may be different than most, it is still a season of celebration. To our partner families, volunteers, staff, and supporters, we thank you and wish you a happy holidays.  In the words of volunteer Tom McGeachen, “May the best of 2020 be the worst of 2021.” 

  

 

May the best of 2020 be the worst of 2021.