(Allentown, PA)– On Saturday, September 26th, 2020, The Allentown Rotary worked on a Habitat for Humanity Lehigh Valley house on Tacoma Street in Allentown. Habitat for Humanity is building eight houses (4 twin homes) on the former school lot and across from a church. It is a nice quiet street close to the former Allentown State Hospital site. The Allentown Rotary had members from the Allentown Club who had seven people and then three from the Passport Rotary Club and one from Slatington.

The Rotary had several groups working on different projects. Caulked, primed, and painted large wood pieces that are on the front porches.  Also, they painted a porch that already had those pieces in place. A second group put insulation around all the windows and doors installed in one set of twins. Another group worked on building walls in one of the other houses, which did not yet have a roof. One group also put in blocking to be used to hang kitchen cabinets. Some of the Rotarians have volunteered prior with Habitat for Humanity; for others, it was the first time. One of the best parts of being a volunteer is that not any skills are needed! Just the want to serve and help is a perfect match for the Rotary since rotary feels its Service above Self.

During the year, The Allentown Rotary is often seen doing about one service project a month. Anything from collecting cans, ringing bells for Salvation Army, reading books in school, and yes, building homes. This year with COVID-19, it was tough to find a project that they could do safely. So this is almost the first project they have done all year. It was terrific for them to get back out and see old friends again in the community while volunteering.

The Rotary all wore work masks and felt safe. The Habitat crew members were very helpful and provided excellent training and oversight. The project lasted from 8-2, and everyone had a great time! The Rotary all put in a good day’s work!  It was fun to see work take shape and to be able to envision a family living there soon and enjoying their new home.

 

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. The Allentown Rotary Club was founded in 1914 and has served the Allentown community for more than 100 years. During the current pandemic, the Allentown Rotary Club remains active, and its members continue to meet by means of videoconferencing.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Rosaria M Stoops
Allentown Rotary Press

 

 

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