Volunteers were busy tearing off the shingles of this house on West Avenue Wednesday for the local Habitat for Humanity group.
The volunteers were members of the Dakota State University football team. The shingling project is just one aspect of the renovation and construction project that is taking place for this year's partner family -- Renae and Chris Palmlund of Madison. The couple, who recently married, have four children from previous marriages, three of whom currently live in Madison.
Gary Zay, executive director for the East Central Affiliate for Habitat for Humanity said the chapter is renovating a home this year for the Palmlunds and building an addition for handicapped accessibility.
Zay said as soon as Habitat closed on the house, the Palmlunds have jumped in to help any way they could. The goal is to have the home completed so the family can move in before school starts this fall.
Renae Palmlund said the family has been overwhelmed with the support they've received from Habitat.
Additionally, Habitat also has four partner families lined up for the organization's Brush with Kindness program.
Assistant Football Coach Tom Nielsen said this is the second year his players have volunteered for Habitat. The first year the team helped paint a home for Habitat. This summer team members will help remove shingles on two homes. Athletes at DSU are required to complete a certain amount of community service each year. Nielsen said the university tries to keep as many team members in Madison throughout the summer and several have summer jobs.
"We try to give back as much as we can," he said.
Zay said local businesses have supported this year's renovation project in many ways. Kolorworks, Timmer's Supply, Rosebud and Red Rock Valley Concrete have helped provide items at reduced costs.
Monetary donations have also come from Wells Fargo and Aerostar. The Wells Fargo contribution goes hand in hand with volunteer labor.
Anyone interested in volunteering on one of Habitat's projects this summer can call habitat at 427-9906 or e-mail Zay at ecsdhfh@yahoo.com.
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