Cape Area Habitat for Humanity to hold day of service Saturday

In response to soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama's call for a day of service, Cape Area Habitat for Humanity will host a triple-build day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It's two days before the official day of service, but Walt Wildman, executive director of Cape Area Habitat, said Saturday is a better day to ask for volunteers to help build homes.

Habitat is a not-for-profit ministry that pairs volunteers with needy families to build homes that are then sold at a low interest rate to the low-income family.

Cape Area Habitat has three homes under construction in Cape Girardeau; they are at 341 Country Club Drive, 410 Country Club Drive and 1428 Ozark St. Tentative work plans call for interior and exterior finishing work at 341 Country Club Drive, stud work at 410 Country Club Drive, and wiring and other interior finishing work at 1428 Ozark St.

Volunteers will work in teams with experienced workers helping newcomers.

"No one's going to work without direction," he said. "We'll find something meaningful for them to do."

Wildman said he hopes to have at least 50 volunteers by Saturday morning. Volunteers will work in teams. He'll move from site to site to help and deliver lunch to the workers.

Volunteers should call 334-9728 to get assignment details. For more on Day of Service events, visit the national Renew America Together site at www.usaservice.org/page/content/calltoservice.