Building our community...this isn't just a slogan for the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. Each year, the HBAL and its members contribute time and money to a variety of community projects. We believe in doing our part to make Lincoln a stronger, safer community. Together we're helping to build a better Lincoln!
Dolls of HBAL & Toys With Wheels
Once again, we sponsored our very successful Dolls of HBAL. Each year we collect more than 300 beautiful new dolls for little girls at Christmas.We have since added "Toys With Wheels" to collect cars and trucks for little boys. We are proud to report that HBAL members donated 210 dolls and 167 toys with wheels for a total of 377 new toys! These toys were donated to Lincoln charities for Christmas distribution to needy children. Merry Christmas to all!
Annual Coat Drive
Each fall, we ask HBAL members to search their coat closets to find winter outerwear that's not being used any more. Our office begins filling up with cold-weather garments for adults and children. Then we load up the donations of coats mittens, scarves, blankets, etc. and take them to the People's City Mission in downtown Lincoln.
Helping Hands Projects - Remodelers Council
TP Run (Toilet Paper)
The Remodelers Council held TP Runs (Toilet Paper Run) to gather supplies and toiletries for the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in Lincoln. The event was held in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Donating members have been rewarded with ice cream bars.Food Bank House
The Remodelers Council Seventh Annual Helping Hands Food Bank House was a great success in February 2009! We collected 4,165 pounds of food thanks to the generosity of the Home Show visitors. This will provide 4,492 meals to families in need in southeast Nebraska.To learn more about the Remodelers Council, click here.
Remodelers Council Blood Drive
Started in January 2008 by past Council Chair Eric Hoke, the Remodelers Council coordinates blood drives for the Nebraska Blood Bank. The latest drive was completed on March 18, 2009. There were 17 units of blood collected and because one unit of blood can potentially save up to three lives the Remodelers Council of Lincoln helped a total of 51 patients in Lancaster, Saline, Seward, Polk, York and Jefferson Counties.
School Art Contest
In February 2009, we held our seventh annual "If I Could Build a House" art contest for 4th & 5th grade students in the Lincoln Public Schools. Children were asked to draw pictures of their dream homes. Six schools were selected winners and received $500 toward their art budget. Twelve individual winners were also selected - each received a check for $50 from the HBAL. All of these unique drawings were displayed at our annual Home & Garden Show. We have also used drawings for the front cover of our Parade Guides.
Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build
Every year, members of HBAL pledge time and money to build a home for a family in need. Our 15th Habitat for Humanity Home was completed in 2008 at 2351 SW Craig Dodge Road in Old Mill Village. HBAL also donated $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity from the proceeds of our annual golf tournament and generous donations from our members. Providing decent, affordable housing for families is a priority for HBAL members.
HBAL's Traveling Ramp
In March 2001, the HBAL was asked if we would help build a ramp for a 40-year-old Public Works employee, whose condition was terminal and was not able to maneuver the entry of his home. Our Board of Directors agreed to help. It was decided that the best approach was to purchase a light-weight modular aluminum ramp which could be assembled on site and, once the disabled person no longer needed it, we would be able to remove the ramp and store it for future use.Since 2001, the ramp has been loaned out seven times to Lincoln people in need. If someone you know has a need for a temporary ramp, please call the HBAL.
Home Builders Care About Quentin
In 1999, we did a very special project. We built an addition for Quentin Waltke and his foster family. Quentin is a young man who is blind and has cerebral palsy. His foster mother, Linda Rappl, pulled him up and down a flight of stairs twice a day because their home had no bedroom or bathroom on the first floor. HBAL wanted to make life easier for Quentin and assure that he can always stay with Linda.
Toys for Santa Cops
Since 1988, the HBAL has been making toys for Santa Cops. One Saturday each November, HBAL members get together and make 60-100 wooden toys to donate to the Lincoln Police Department's Santa Cop program. The officers give these toys to needy children for Christmas.In Nov. 2007, over 120 HBAL members (and their children and grandchildren) gathered to make 75 tool benches to give to the Santa Cop project. The children helped decorate wooden Christmas trees, birdhouses, and gingerbread houses which were given to local nursing homes and assisted living centers. In 20 years, HBAL members have made almost 1,500 wonderful toys for the Santa Cop program.
Click here for images of the Nov. 2007 Toys for Santa Cops project.
Scholarships
NAHB Student Chapters - Milford Student Chapter and UNL Student Chapter are very active within the HBAL. Each year, HBAL and NAHB award SCC and UNL students with scholarships totaling $6,000. The students also help exhibitors with move-in/move-out each year at the annual Home & Garden Show in February.Scholarships are also awarded each year to students graduating from our local high schools. These scholarships are awarded to students who are entering a 2-year or 4-year college program that involves the building industry.
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