Oak Grove Middle School raises over $1,000 for Hattiesburg Habitat | Community Spirit

The students at Oak Grove Middle School raised over $1,000 for Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity through their Nickels for Nails fundraiser. This effort was led by the Student Council who is advised by teacher Megan Bradshaw. “We decided to work with Habitat because it had not been done in the past. The student's really liked the idea of helping local Hattiesburg residents. They liked the idea of being a part of something so great and knowing that they helped build a home for someone special.”

The students raised $1,121.42 by collecting spare change and in just four short days. The winning classes in each grade were rewarded with a Bop’s Sundae party donated by Bop’s frozen Custard. The winning teacher, Ms. Doleac won a facial from Eden Medispa. “Fundraisers like these are so important because they engage our youth. If we can teach our young people at an early age about giving back, they’ll be more likely to give back as adults” said Lee Anne Venable Resource Development Manager of Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity.

The funds raised from Nickels for Nails will be used to build the homes of families like Daniel Litland. Daniel is a veteran of the US Navy who became disabled just after his enlistment ended. He is an active community volunteer and has already finished 425 of his required 450 sweat equity hours. He never thought owning his very own home would be possible. Once Daniel purchases his home from Habitat for Humanity, his monthly payments will build more homes for more families.

Now, thanks to Habitat for Humanity, he will be a homeowner in just a few short months. If your school or youth group is interested in hosting a Nickels for Nails fundraiser for Habitat, please contact Lee Anne Venable, Resource Development Manager at 601-582-4663 ext. 17 or lvenable@hattiesburghabitat.org.

 About Hattiesburg Area Habitat for HumanityHattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization committed to assisting families in need by providing the life-changing opportunity of having simple, decent affordable housing in partnership with a team of enthusiastic volunteers and staff guided by Christian values. Since 1990, our ministry has provided a hand-up, not a hand-out to 59 families in the Hattiesburg community. Habitat volunteers build and repair houses in partnership with low-income families. Upon completion, the families repay the cost of services through ZERO interest loans and at no profit to Hattiesburg Area Habitat. For more information about how to get involved, visit www.hattiesburghabitat.org or call the Habitat office at 601-582-4663.