Building Together

I participate in many volunteer events with several different organizations and this story is about the Jacksonville Beaches Habitat for Humanity. Recently, I arranged a group of 12 volunteers to help build houses in the Haywood Estates subdivision in the Mayport area of Florida. Attached is a picture of the group about mid-day when everyone was hot sweaty, sore, and dirty, but not done. Some of these folks volunteer with me at other events and we always have fun, learn something new and useful, and enjoy the team spirit that comes with building something as a group. This subdivision has had Ed Perez involved with it from its inception. Ed, CSX Technical Director, Process Excellence, is very involved with his community. Ed is second from the left in the second row. We really appreciate Ed's leadership and involvement.

Roy Carter (back row with hard hat), Ed Perez (second from the left in the front) and other CSX employees stand before the subdivision they are helping to build with Habitat for Humanity.

I believe that building something together as a group builds team spirit in ways that working together in an office never can. There is a different level of trust required when holding or supporting a truss or a wall so another person only inches away can hammer in anchors and nails. Sometimes you are so close that air disturbed by the hammer swing whistles by your ear.

So, come on out and volunteer for the Habitat organizations to help build something for someone who couldn't otherwise attain it. You will feel good about the work, the kindness, the gesture, and most of all the teamwork spirit.