Everyone needs a decent place to live, and Habitat for Humanity International is trying to make sure everyone gets one. Habitat, founded in 1976, has built more than 225,000 houses for people in need around the world.

Volunteers from all backgrounds work side-by-side with the family who will receive the house, building a home from the ground up. As you read this, another Habitat project has been completed, and another family has a new home!

Mim looked around her new home. “Oh, this is nice,” she said to Sasha. “Thank you for inviting me to move in!”

“Well, we have to help each other,” replied Sasha. “The streets are dangerous!”

Mim followed Sasha as she sniffed for cheese. Suddenly, Mim heard a “Meow!” and trembled in fear.

“Oh, don’t worry about old Jasper,” Muff squeaked. “He likes mice … as friends, not food.”

I’m sorry you’re sick,” said Maria. “Dad caught some great fish for the cookout!”

Rosine hung up the phone sadly. She hated to miss the best cookout of the year. Finally, she fell asleep. She awoke to see Maria’s family. “What are you doing here?” asked Rosine.

“Since you can’t come to the cookout, we’ll make it a cookin!” laughed Maria’s dad.

Many students do volunteer work in their communities. Some tutor younger children. Others visit senior citizens. Still others clean up litter from playgrounds.

One popular volunteer activity for students is serving in a soup kitchen. A soup kitchen provides meals for people in need.

Most students agree that volunteering time to help others is very rewarding.