By: Shannon Kelly, Altavista Journal News Correspondent
People poured into the First Baptist Church on Bedford Avenue in Altavista for the Altavista Area/Campbell County Habitat for Humanity’s potato dinner on the balmy evening of Friday, May 25. This first of two annual fundraiser dinners cost $7 per person and was open to the community. Volunteers of the organization, along with this branch’s executive director, served guests baked potatoes, salad, and dessert as attendees swirled in and out from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
All funds raised from this event go directly toward Habitat’s building projects. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for those living in poverty. As a nonprofit organization, they rely on local donations to afford the necessary building materials and also rely on volunteers for labor. Brett Witcher, the Altavista Area/Campbell County branch’s executive director of 4 years and counting, said that 2 building projects occur in this branch each year. Two families have already been selected to benefit from this year’s efforts. “One is a single mother with a son; the other is a single mother with 2 sons,” Witcher stated. The “Blitz Building” – active, intense work on constructing and completing the 2 planned homes - is scheduled to take place in October. Witcher said that the Altavista/Campbell County branch roughly has 225 to 250 volunteers a year to turn visions into reality.
“As always, we just thank the community for supporting us,” Witcher said gratefully. “Without the support from everyone, we wouldn’t be able to do 2 homes a year. We’ve built 33 so far, so I mean, it’s taken a community effort.”
This dinner also provided the community with a chance to fellowship and enjoy a hot meal. Emily Thomas, a local resident, has been attending Habitat’s fundraiser dinners for the past 4 years. “I just think the food is good, and I feel like it goes for a good cause,” she said. This year, she also brought her visiting daughter along to share the experience.
The second fundraiser dinner will take place in the fall. For more information on how you can get involved with the Altavista Area/Campbell County Habitat for Humanity and learn about their work, visit their website at: altavistacampbellcountyhabitat.com
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