Habitat kicks off annual Rake-a-Thon

Wanted: volunteers who are ready to rake. \nThe IU chapter of Habitat for Humanity is looking for student volunteers to participate in the 19th annual Rake-a-Thon Nov. 3-4 and 10-11. Money raised will be used to build homes for low-income families.\n“The Rake-a-Thon is a great way to meet new people or to get a group of friends together for the weekend,” said IU Habitat for Humanity President Jessica Donaldson.\nDuring Rake-a-Thon, students will be going door to door asking if residents need their leaves raked. Sean Fick, major events director for IU Habitat said that in previous years, residents have made appointments to get their leaves raked, but this year they decided to try something new and go door-to-door. \n“We try to pick neighborhoods that have a lot of trees, such as Hyde Park and Elm Heights,” Fick said. \nDonaldson said that students will be raking leaves for donations to IU Habitat. Individuals or groups can sign up for shifts, which last four hours. They are from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided.\nVolunteers can work with friends or they can be put randomly into a group, Fick said. \nDonaldson said the Rake-a-Thon typically brings in $7,000 to $8,000 each year, and is expected this year to either match or surpass previous years. She added that to meet these goals, Habitat will need as many volunteers as possible. \n“Habitat for Humanity is making a difference in eliminating substandard housing around the world,” Donaldson said. “We have a great time raising money and awareness.” \nHabitat has a project for everyone, Donaldson said. Volunteers can help with event planning, publicity and work at home sites. Additionally, the group puts on winter and spring break trips. \nStudents interested in getting involved with Habitat for future projects can either attend a monthly callout meeting or visit the Habitat Web site at www.iuhabitat.org. Students with specific questions should contact habitat@indiana.edu.