George Mason’s Habitat for Humanity Club is holding a denim drive starting Monday, November 27 to pave the way for affordable housing and warm winters for the less fortunate. All jean materials will be transformed into housing insulation by a partner organization to the official Habitat for Humanity organization.
“On the surface the jean drive is just another collection of materials, but I also see it as a way to place our own identity in the house that will be given to those in need…,” senior club officer Megan Murphy said.
This is not limited to jeans and jackets; Habitat for Humanity is accepting all forms of denim regardless if they are ripped, dyed, or embellished. All materials can be dropped in the bins that will be laid out in front of the security desk, and will be collected at the end of the week.
“We aim to use up things that might never be used again with a purpose far greater than sitting in a closet for eternity, but keeping a family safe and warm at all times,” senior club officer Megan Murphy said.
The club is also holding a “Jean Day” on Tuesday November 28, where students are encouraged to come to school wearing denim to further promote the drive.
The Habitat for Humanity club at Mason is an unofficial branch of the international Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to building and improving homes for those who are less fortunate. In the past, the GMHS club held a wrapping paper drive to and has also organized a Mustang Rodeo to create and donate welcome mats to the regional branch of the organization.
The club is most active through hands-on builds at Habitat for Humanity designated sites. The organization takes in a handful of volunteers at a time to work on a certain project in a home they are trying to build or renovate.
“At our builds, we’re doing real, legitimate building tasks, from painting and installing drywall to grouting showers and assembling decks,” said senior Clara Matton, another club officer. “We get to learn so many incredibly useful skills that have real world applications.”
The Habitat for Humanity Club is having its first build of the year on Saturday, December 16 in Herndon. They will travel there by a school bus and will be taking the first six students that sign up. Students do not need to be in the club to volunteer for a build or contribute to the donations. For more information, contact club sponsor Ms. Suzanne Planas or senior club officers Megan Murphy, Charlie Boland, Sophie Matton, and Clara Matton.
