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Penny drive leads up to Walk for Habitat
Published November 6, 2009
LAKE JACKSON — Hundreds of children are expected to participate in the 11th Annual BASF/Wholesale Electric Walk for Habitat this weekend, to prove they not only can talk the talk, but walk the walk as well.
Twenty-six schools came together this year to collect pennies that will be used by Habitat for Humanity to build a home. They will be celebrating that effort in the annual Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County penny drive.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all of those kids,” said Mary-Ellen Thomas, executive director of Habitat for Humanity.
The hundreds of children and parents who come every year prove the amount of support Habitat for Humanity has in this community, Thomas said.
The walk seems like a parade with an area band leading the way, said BASF spokeswoman Cindy Suggs. As kids walk along carrying things like silly sting, parents visit with their neighbors, she said.
Habitat is a nonprofit group that builds homes for people who otherwise might not be able to afford them. Families must invest “sweat equity” through working on other Habitat projects and meet income guidelines in order to qualify for an interest-free Habitat home mortgage.
Last year, the penny drive raised more than $6,800. With the help of local sponsors, the walk earned more than $90,600 in 2008.
“We always look forward to the celebration,” said County Commissioner Mary Ruth Rhodenbaugh, a former Habitat executive director.
This year Rhodenbaugh is excited to see high school students who still are participating in Habitat for Humanity after growing up donating pennies to the cause, she said.
“They’ve become the volunteer force of Brazoria County,” Rhodenbaugh said.
The Walk for Habitat is set for Saturday at MacLean Park in Lake Jackson.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. and clowns and face-painters will be roaming the area. Cheerleaders, choirs and a drumline also will entertain walkers. Registration is free to anyone who wants to participate.
Minor league pitcher Jared Wells, a West Columbia native who has appeared with the San Diego Padres and is currently with the Seattle Mariners, also will be there signing baseballs. Before the celebratory walk begins, the amount of money raised by the penny drive will be announced.
At 9 a.m. the walk will begin and will wind through neighboring areas.
As children enjoy the walk, Habitat for Humanity volunteers hope they remember why they are really there.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can volunteer,” Thomas said.
Katlynn Lanham is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at 979-237-0150.
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Walk for Habitat
• 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk begins Saturday at MacLean Park in Lake Jackson
• To sponsor or participate, contact Cindy Suggs at cindy.suggs(at)basf.com or call 979-415-6273.
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