Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The final nail was driven home when Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity dedicated its ninth home Sunday.
Barb Drudge was given the keys to her new Park Avenue home during a ceremony to honor the volunteers, board members and sponsoring businesses of the latest Habitat project.
Since the groundbreaking ceremonies Sept. 30, the three-bedroom single-story house was completed in record time, spearheaded by R.R. Donnelley & Sons present and past employees.
"It's not just about houses. We do this to express our love to our community and our neighbors," said Habitat president Chad Twombly.
Charter board member Kay Young called Sunday's event at Center Lake Pavilion "a wonderful day, it's always a wonderful day whenever we dedicate a house or have a groundbreaking."
Michelle Boxell, also on the local Habitat board, said the Donnelley folks came to Habitat seeking to be a partner.
"We're thrilled to have Donnelley's be a part of this," she said.
Drudge, mother of two children, is a Donnelley employee.
Volunteers for the house construction consisted mainly of the publishing company's retirees. Current employees began work on the house; however, following the destruction caused by the September tornadoes, they turned their skills to rehabilitating the old U.S. 30 west facility.
Donnelley retiree Don Kispert was the site manager. He told stories about people who volunteered their services. One was a recovering addict who had special skills. Another was a woman whose sister would soon own a Habitat home in Elkhart. She brought lunch for the volunteers. Another was a contractor who not only oversaw the placement of the roof trusses, he came the next day to assist with the trim.
Kispert said these kinds of responses made the work more than worthwhile.
Drudge expressed her appreciation in a heart-felt speech, saying she was so grateful to everyone involved in the project.
"You've helped me realize the great American Dream of home ownership, a place that's already become a place of memories," she said.
