More than 200 students will join forces to transform the Lawrence University Main Hall Green into a temporary shantytown May 15-16 for the college’s third annual “Shack-a-thon” for Habitat for Humanity.
Sponsored by the Lawrence Volunteer and Community Service Center, Shack-a-thon will test the design moxie and construction skills of more than 20 teams of students who will assemble living quarters from donated materials on 10-foot-square plots near Main Hall beginning early Saturday afternoon. The shacks will remain up until mid-morning Sunday.
Teams will be soliciting pledges for having at least one member remain in the shack overnight to simulate the plight of the homelessness. “Change jars” will be placed in front of each shack with cash donations serving as votes for a “Best Shack” contest. A host tent on site will provide information on issues related to homelessness and the need for affordable housing.
Jill Wiles, Habitat for Humanity’s Campus Chapters Coordinator for the Midwest out of Chicago, will deliver the address, “Low Income Housing and the Mission of Habitat for Humanity” at 7 p.m. Saturday. In addition, live entertainment provided by some of Lawrence’s best student bands will be performed throughout the evening beginning at 5 p.m.
Shack-a-thon organizers are hoping to raise $5,000 at this year’s event. Since Shack-a-thon was launched in 2002, the event has raised $9,000. All event proceeds will be used for the eventual construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in the Fox Cities. For more information, contact the Lawrence VCSC at 920-832-6644.
