A dozen or so birds are about to get some major living upgrades. Students at Apollo High School have designed 13 extravagant birdhouses — with themes ranging from fairy tales to popular TV to a beach home — that will be raffled as part of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
The students in Apollo’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) are taking on the project for the second year in a row. Last year they raised $1,455 for the local Habitat chapter, and this year the group hopes to raise more than $5,000 for Habitat’s upcoming Carter Court Community project.
“We started this project last year as part of the JAG program’s National Service Project,” said Apollo JAG Specialist Melody Wallace. “I continue to be inspired and amazed by the passion and creativity of my students. I am so proud of them for putting in so many hours of hard work in order to raise money for the Carter Court Community. They have learned many valuable lessons about working together and supporting a cause bigger than themselves.”
Habitat for Humanity Board Member Shawna Kellems helped connect the JAG students with local realtors and Habitat during last year’s fundraiser. She continues to see the value in those partnerships as they enter a second year.
“Homeownership changes lives. Habitat for Humanity is building Carter Court Community in Daviess County this year,” Kellems said. “To see everyone’s hard work come together for a great cause like Habitat is beyond words, and it is fun.”
The students were given the materials and asked to brainstorm theme and design ideas in preparation for a meet-and-greet with 13 local realtors. After meeting with their realtors, they finalized their plans. Some chose TV or movie themes, while others chose a type of structure (garage, castle, chapel, beach house, fairy/gnome cottage).
The realtors will “list” the birdhouses for sale on social media from March 7-18. Raffle tickets will be $10 each and can be purchased through Venmo, PayPal, cash, or check, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. The winning birdhouse and realtor will be announced on March 21.
The JAG program helps students learn the soft skills and social skills necessary to help prepare them for real-world jobs and situations. Wallace said the birdhouse project helps students learn hands-on skills such as hammering, painting, and design, as well as how to work with diverse group members. Students are also able to gain an understanding from expert guest speakers about the differences between homeownership and renting, how to responsibly manage finances, and how to maintain a home.
