Lawrence University’s Main Hall Green will be transformed into a temporary shantytown the weekend of May 17-18 when the Lawrence Volunteer and Community Service Center sponsors its second annual “Shack-a-thon” for Habitat for Humanity.
Teams of students will construct shacks from donated materials on 10-foot-by-10-foot plots near Main Hall beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. and remaining up until mid-morning Sunday. Teams will be soliciting pledges for having at least one member remain in the shack overnight to simulate the feeling of homelessness. Change jars also will be placed in front of each shack. Cash donations to the jars will be counted 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.
Shack-a-thon organizers are hoping to construct 20 shacks and raise $10,000 at this year’s event. Last year’s Shack-a-thon featured 12 shacks and raised $5,000. All proceeds will to be applied toward the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in the Fox Cities. For more information, contact the Lawrence VCSC at 920-832-6644.
