This holiday season, Jackson County Habitat for Humanity is inviting schools, churches, businesses, and community members to join us for a special Christmas Build event as part of our Playhouse Project! The event will take place on Saturday, December 7th from 9-3:30.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on a Habitat build site, now’s your chance to experience it firsthand—and make a lasting impact on a child in our community. Our goal for this event is threefold:
1. Growing the mission: your contribution goes first to cover building materials for the event and all other funds are being put towards House Build #23 in Jefferson
2. Building awareness: we hope volunteers will leave this experience with a taste of what volunteering on a Habitat worksite looks like and are eager to join for a house build. We also hope the parents of the children who apply will learn a bit more about Habitat homeownership through the process.
3. Fulfilling our mission of building HOPE by bringing people together over a common goal and spreading joy this holiday season. We want this project to replicate the excitement of homeownership for the children. Their applications are not need-based. Instead of need, we will consider excitement and responsibility. Instead of mortgage payments, we ask that they share the joy with friends. Instead of sweat equity, kids will have to perform three acts of kindness to "qualify" for a playhouse.
Who can "apply" for a Playhouse?
- Every student in a first-grade classroom in Jefferson City Schools, Commerce City Schools, and the Jackson County School System will have the opportunity to complete an application in their class.
- Students must return a parental consent form to "apply" (including an agreement that the family has room for the outdoor playhouse and permission for us to deliver the playhouse with volunteers)
Who will receive a Playhouse?
- The number of teams who sign up to build a Playhouse will determine how many we have to give. Our goal is to build 10-15 Playhouses this year.
- Our family selection committee will review the applications without names and enter all complete applications into a drawing. Students must agree to take care of their playhouse, share what game they are excited to play, what their favorite color is, complete a drawing of their dream playhouse and, most importantly, agree to perform three acts of kindness to qualify.
This event is designed to create joy and show children that if they contribute to their community, their community will come together for them as well. Every child deserves to know they are supported. Learning the value of treating a home with care is one of the first steps we can take with youth towards future homeownership. We hope you will join us in furthering our mission and spreading joy this holiday season!
What do volunteers do?
During this event, volunteers will come together to build playhouses for children who have applied to receive a special holiday gift from Habitat. Winners will be chosen from the submitted applications, similar to how our actual homeowners are selected and the completed playhouses will be delivered on December 14th—just in time for Christmas!
Whether you’re looking to volunteer for the first time, bring your church or business team, or simply want to give back this holiday season, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Let’s create joyful memories for children in our community and show them the true spirit of the season. All building material will be provided. Your entry fee covers building materials expenses.
How many team members can we have?
- You can have up to 10 team members on a team. We recommend shifts of no more than 5 people. Shifts will be from 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30. It will take both shifts to construct, paint, and finish a playhouse. Please plan to be there all day if you do not have enough members to take shifts.
How old do you have to be to participate?
- During the morning shift (9:00-12:00), volunteers must be over 16 y/o. In the afternoon shift (12:30-3:30), volunteers must be over 12 y/o. All volunteers under 18 y/o must have adult supervision and have a volunteer waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Kids can participate for FREE.
Can I sign up as an individual?
Yes! You do not have to be with a team to sign up. Individuals and small groups can both sign up as Elf Community Member Sign-up.
This is a paid event. We are asking for a $50 contribution from all adults who are volunteering to contribute to the cost of the event and go towards our next Critical Home Repair cycle. Please only select "Girl Scout" or "Habitat Homeowner" if you are a part of those groups. Thank you for your support!
Event Date: December 7th, 9-3:30
The Build Crew: 9-12:00
The Design Crew: 12:30-3:30
*Specify in the additional comment section when registering how many members will be apart of each time slot, you're more than welcome to stay the entire day!
Location: Commerce Middle School
Other: Lunch will be provided and all building and paint materials will be provided!