Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity is finishing up its last project of the year in Greene County.

Associate Director Jeff Lamoureux says their Helping Hands organization is re-roofing and painting the exterior of 702 Pinet Place in Jefferson that’s owned by Lori Campbell.  Helping Hands is a group of volunteers that make exterior repairs to occupied homes.  Lamoureux notes that this project is slightly different than how Helping Hands is normally done in the past.  Volunteers through churches would help on Saturdays to do projects, but this time, John Deere in Paton is helping by giving Habitat eight to ten employees everyday this week to complete the project, which Lamoureux notes is a win for both organizations.

“We knew when John Deere approached us to do this that it was going to be a win-win for both of us.  It gives them an opportunity obviously to give some of their employees out here (to give back to the community), but for us, to be able to do this all in one week, it’s just a great opportunity for us and it’s really worked out well.”

Jefferson resident David Rivera was one of the volunteers and says he enjoys helping others out.

“It’s an honor obviously, helping out the community.  And I truly feel like John Deere made a fantastic decision when they decided to do this.  It’s amazing.”

Lamoureux adds that they are accepting applications for next year for projects.  Contact his office at 386-3093 for more information.