During this season of giving, Habitat for Humanity continues to give the gift of home ownership.
And, in keeping with the spirit of the season, a Christian mission is the foundation for construction by Habitat volunteers.
The area chapter, River City Habitat for Humanity, on Friday blessed the beginning of its most recent project, rehabilitation of an existing home at 3117 Moreau Dr.
Ownership of Habitat homes brings responsibilities, including assistance with projects and repayment of low-interest loans.
The chapter began exclusively with new home construction, but has branched out into both construction and renovation projects.
And, over the years, Habitat volunteers have been assisted not only by skilled carpenters and craftsmen, but by other business professionals as well.
The property for Habitat's latest venture was donated by Scholastic, a national book distributor located here.
The tract has been subdivided to allow the construction of two new homes, in addition to the renovation project.
Scholastic employees will work with Habitat volunteers and students from Nichols Career Center's building and trades class on the project.
"Scholastic believes in Habitat's mission, to take hard working local families and help them become home owners," said Faye Edwards, Scholastic's senior vice president and general manager of operations.
The River City chapter's mission, according to its web site, "is worldwide in scope but local in focus, and each house built or renovated by Habitat involves a personal ministry of local people working with a specific local family in need."
That concept is consistent with the Christmas message that a singular event may have global implications.