Weeks ago, when I first thought about how I would start my volunteer article, I considered mentioning that because the weather was so nice, it would be great to get away from your desk and lend a hand. Then there was the earthquake, followed by Hurricane Irene. 

Unfortunately, there are likely to be many families in need of major home repairs who will not be able to afford them. Suddenly, it seems like there are many reasons to volunteer with Habitat of Humanity, an organization that builds and repairs homes in partnership with qualifying families.

Construction volunteers are needed to help with duties such as repairing roofs, hanging shingles, painting, installing cabinetry, framing, hanging drywall or siding and landscaping. Construction volunteers must be at least 16 years old or older to be on an active construction site.

There are also non-construction activities, such as making lunches for the construction workers, creating "welcome home" baskets and cards, decorating mailboxes or flower pots and doing yard work when the construction is completed.

Volunteers are also needed to serve on committees that help with fundraisers, special events, office work and mentoring partner families.

"Our volunteers come from every walk of life and every skill set. Wherever your interests and talents may lie, we can find a project for you. We strongly encourage businesses, corporations, civic associations and churches to send groups out to our sites. Group builds are a wonderful way in which to build camaraderie and make an impact in the surrounding community," said Abrielle Willis, volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.

Volunteers can give as much time as they have available. Work is done on site each week, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. A volunteer can work for one day or until the project is finished. Each construction volunteer should come with a basic set of tools, such as a hammer, nail apron, tape measure and pencil (it's a good idea to label your tools with your name or initials). Bring your own water as well.

"Our volunteers are the soul of our organization. There is a lot of work that goes into building a house, from fundraising and ordering supplies to construction and home dedication. Volunteers are by our side from start to finish, and without them, it would be very hard to accomplish all that we do. Volunteers who swing a hammer with Habitat have a great day learning new skills and are enriched by the experience of serving others and meeting other volunteers," Willis said.

If you would like to be a volunteer, contact Abrielle Willis by email at awillis@habitatsusq.org or call 410-638-4434 x6. For more information on Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, visit their website.

Note: Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna serves Cecil County and Harford County. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake serves Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. You can visit Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake's website for more information.