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.