Donations and fundraisers are an integral part to the vitality of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH). Without a steady stream of income, projects and programs struggle, and the affiliate cannot help as many families in need of services. This holiday season, the nonprofit organization has several easy ways in which community members can participate and provide support.
Contrary to popular belief, Habitat is not a government-funded organization. Habitat does apply for and receives grants, as well as municipal funding, and donations from corporations. But, in the era since the COVID-19 pandemic and the steep rise in costs, it’s just not enough. To remain productive, Greater Springfield Habitat must take advantage of other opportunities.
“Donations are crucial to the success of Habitat, but giving doesn’t have to be an ‘all-or-nothing’ frame of mind. Do what your bank account and peace of mind can afford. If that means a one-time donation of $100, that’s OK. If it includes small purchases from our wish lists, that’s alright as well,” said Brandy O’Brien, GSHFH Marketing and Communications manager. “If someone wants and can afford to do more, that’s fantastic, too.”
GSHFH has registries or “wish lists” at both Amazon.com and Walmart.com. The items listed are practical, everyday necessities that help the office and build sites run smoother. Items on the wish lists support ongoing and future projects. Among the items requested are a heavy-duty watering hose, paint roller frames with comfort grip handles, Sharpie permanent markers, light fixtures, and heavy-duty trash bags. To shop at Amazon, visit a.co/85KjRjL. To shop at Walmart, go to bit.ly/4eJwcli.
Yet, the best way to keep your support local is to give directly to your nearby Habitat affiliate. Donations to Greater Springfield Habitat can be mailed to the West Springfield office, made online via the donation page at habitatspringfield.org/donate or can sent via text message. Simply text “BUILD413” to 44-321 and follow the prompts.
Cars for Homes is a program managed by Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). A large variety of vehicles from cars to snowmobiles are accepted. All that is needed is certificate of title and four tires. HFHI will take care of the rest and arrange for pick up. The vehicle, based on its condition, will be sold through a national network of fully-licensed, insured, and bonded auctions and direct buyers. Roughly half of vehicles are sold to licensed dealers at wholesale auctions and are reused for transportation. The remaining half are brought to auto salvage yards where the reusable parts, batteries, tires, and fluids are removed. Vehicles that can be recycled are crushed, shredded, and turned into steel. On a monthly basis, 78-86% of revenue from vehicles donated to Habitat through Cars for Homes support local Habitat affiliates, like GSHFH. Based on a donor’s zip code or personal request, the donation is transferred to the local affiliate. To make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/3uSIw1d
“The pickup was wonderful. Everyone was very patient and nobody objected to our 2008 Obama sticker,” said Catherine Shapleigh, who with her husband Alexander, donated their 1996 navy blue Volvo 850 sedan. “It was just great. We were very happy to make the donation.”
Greater Springfield Habitat is always collecting empty and clean aluminum soda and beer cans for its Cans for Homes program. Aluminum donations may appear small on the surface, but they add up and can go a long way. The cost of a 2x4 is the equivalent of 400 cans. A mailbox is 3,000 cans. A window is 11,000 cans. A front door is 22,000 cans, and a 1,200-square-foot roof is 400,000 cans. Through these efforts, GSHFH has earned roughly $6,000 and kept many cans out of the landfill. Cans can be dropped off at 268 Cold Spring Ave in West Springfield. Or, to schedule a pick up, call (413) 739-5503. Greater Springfield Habitat will also accept glass and plastic beverage bottles that are labeled for Massachusetts bottle redemption.
“I believe in the organization and the importance of making a difference in people’s lives,” said Trina Winans, a GSHFH supporter and volunteer, who made a recent can donation.
Lastly, someone can donate their time by volunteering. It’s easy to sign up online to help in the office, on an event committee, or out on the construction site.
Share your skills and can-do attitude. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone by volunteering and creating a memory.
To learn other ways you can support Greater Springfield Habitat, visit habitatspringfield.org.
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