West Windsor,
N.J.- A group of seven intrepid MCCC volunteers from the Liberal
Arts Division lent a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity
in Trenton on June 4, working at two sites off Clinton Avenue.
Their first stop was a vacant Habitat home, where members
of the group cleared and leveled the overgrown backyard and
prepared the flooring inside the house for new carpeting.
In their second stop, they tackled an adjacent abandoned lot
that needed major T.L.C., including clearing trees and brush,
bundling up trash and removing snakes. (Yikes!)
According to English faculty member Jack Tabor, who served
as the college's coordinator with Habitat, plans for the day
began last summer. "I have wanted to do something with
Habitat for years, to do something for the community beyond
what we do as instructors."
Tabor
says the experience proved satisfying in a number of ways.
"It was hands-on and direct. We felt like we were accomplishing
something." In addition, he notes, it was great to spend
time with MCCC staff members outside of the college setting.
He adds that the group felt a real connection with the Habitat
staff. "It felt like we were from the same island."
Sociology
Professor Gianna Durso-Finley concurred. "The Habitat
staff were amazing. They made us feel so welcome and really
showed us how we were an important part of their efforts to
build not just houses but neighborhoods in the community."
Added
English Professor Laura Knight, who was accompanied by her
son Zach, "It was hard work, very messy, and lots of
fun." The group also included Shana Burnett, John Nadig
and Donald Reichman.
Tabor
is already thinking about next year with plans to broaden
the effort to other divisions and to students. MCCC staff
and students interested in participating should contact Jack
at taborjj@mccc.edu.
More about Habitat for Humanity in Trenton is available here.
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