Volunteering with Habitat offers rewards

Many a study found in medical journals and on the Internet promote volunteering as a road for good physical and mental health. If that's the case, the more than 250 volunteers with Sisters Habitat for Humanity are some of the happiest and healthiest people in town.

These volunteers were honored last week during Sisters Habitat's Board of Director's Eighth Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. The volunteers gave more than 19,000 hours during the past year helping sort donations at the Thrift Store and ReStore, building at the construction site, and serving on numerous committees.

Seventy-one people and two groups were honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award last week. These Habitat supporters were given a certificate and letter from President Obama and a bronze, silver or gold lapel pin. Bronze awards were given to individuals who volunteered 100 to 249 hours, silver was given to those who volunteered 250 to 499 hours and gold was given to those serving 500 or more hours. The two groups honored for working more than 250 hours during the past year were Heart of Oregon Corps and Deschutes County Community Justice.

In addition, Dennis Mills, a construction site volunteer since 2014, earned a spot in Sisters Habitat's 1,000-hour club, which is a cumulative award given to a volunteer once he has served 1,000 hours. The club was started in 2009 at the first appreciation picnic and with the induction of Mills, 96 people are members.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1991. This year they are celebrating 25 years. In that time, they have provided affordable homeownership for 60 families.

Volunteer orientation sessions are offered for those interested in volunteering on the first and third Wednesday of the month at noon at the Habitat offices (above the Thrift Store), 141 W. Main Ave. To register email Marie Clasen at [email protected]