For the past seven years, Allison has celebrated her birthday in a truly remarkable way. She gathers a group of friends and heads to Habitat Metro Denver to spend the day volunteering. What started as a unique way to mark a milestone birthday has become an annual tradition that inspires everyone involved.
“I thought, instead of just sitting around, why not do something helpful and useful?“ Allison shared. This idea quickly turned into a beloved ritual, where she and her friends join forces to support Habitat’s mission of affordable homeownership. Whether they’re building homes or helping at the ReStores, Allison and her group have experienced firsthand the impact of their efforts.
“It’s something we all look forward to every year because we’re celebrating our friend, but we’re also supporting something in the community that makes a difference.” Says Laura, Allison’s friend. “We’ve helped build houses, painted, put up siding, and worked at the ReStores. It’s always fun and interesting, and it makes such a difference in our community.” Laura appreciates how accessible the volunteering opportunities are, emphasizing, “You don’t have to have specific knowledge; you just have to be willing to help.”
Allison celebrated her most recent birthday at the Arvada ReStore where they helped assemble donated items and get them ready for sale, ensuring the store remains an important resource for the community. “We’re always amazed at how quickly things sell,” Allison says. “It’s so fulfilling to see the difference we’re making, not just for the shoppers but for Habitat’s ongoing work.”
The impact of this tradition extends beyond Allison’s birthday celebration. One of her friends, who joined the annual volunteer day, was so inspired that she now volunteers twice a month at the ReStore, helping set up the front room and keeping it organized for customers.
Allison’s tradition has brought together a dedicated group of friends, including Jonathan, who has been volunteering alongside Allison for over ten years. “It’s rewarding to give back in whatever way you can,” he says. Jonathan emphasizes the significance of Habitat’s work, noting how essential it is to create opportunities for families to own homes and build equity. “There’s a significant housing crisis, and Habitat offers a transformative path for people to get into housing. It can be any of us at any time; life changes fast,” he reflects.
Volunteering with Habitat isn’t just about the projects—it’s about learning, growing, and making connections. Allison appreciates the patience and kindness of the Habitat staff, who guide volunteers through every task. “I’m not mechanically minded, but the staff here teach us how to do things. By the end of the day, I feel like I’ve done something useful,” she shares.
Allison’s story is a testament to the joy of giving back and the lasting impact of community support. She and her friends return year after year because they believe in Habitat’s mission and the power of helping others.
If you’re inspired by Allison’s tradition, we invite you to join us! Whether it’s volunteering on a build site, helping at a ReStore, or supporting us through donations, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. No matter your skill level or experience, you can make a difference. So why not celebrate in a meaningful way? Support your community, give back, and be a part of creating homes and hope.
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