BANGOR, Maine — It has been an emotional week at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor.
“A week ago today we memorialized Robby Speirs, synonymous with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor all through its early years, by giving the inaugural Robinson Speirs Memorial Award to Lin Lufkin for his outstanding volunteer service,” said Executive Director Lynn Hempen. “From the tribute by Reverend Jim Haddix to the memories shared by Robby’s extended family, it was an evening remarkable because of its collection of people so willing to give of themselves for the good of others.”
The days that followed that celebration have brought equally inspirational surprises.
Last Friday, Hempen opened a handwritten envelope containing a check for $80 with a note attached. The note was from a woman who explained that their family recently had a yard sale, and that her 11-year-old decided to send the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor. A letter, from the 11-year-old donor, also accompanied the check.
An excerpt from the letter reads, “Flooring and siding and walls and countertops and so much other stuff need to be donated, because everything is so expensive! But that’s why you have donations. They help everyone. And so, even though my amount of money is small, I hope it will make a difference in building a house.”
“We were all so moved by the thoughtfulness of the letter,” said Hempen. “We wanted to share it with everyone.”
The second surprise came from another donor who wishes to remain anonymous — a gift to match every donation given or pledged — up to $6,500 — before next week’s groundbreaking at the site of the next Habitat home to be built on Third Street in Bangor.
“We are $10,000 away from the total amount needed to build this home,” said Hempen. “Every gift or pledge we receive this week will be doubled. It will be a testament to the generosity of this community if we can meet — or exceed — our fundraising goal on the same day we break ground.”
There are many ways to participate. “Anyone interested in making a gift or pledge can email me at lynn@habitatbangor.org,” said Hempen. Community members can send a check to: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor, 83 Washington St., Bangor ME 04401, or go to habitatbangor.org/current-project.html to make an online gift. Anyone who wishes to volunteer on the building project may sign up at habitatbangor.org/construction-volunteer.html.