Despite not having a construction workers hammering acumen, John Jay’s Christina Lordi can still count both her thumbs her own after taking part in numerous Habitat for Humanity builds across Westchester and Connecticut. “I’ve had some close calls,” she jokes. But learning firsthand that for every family who’s life has been changed by home ownership, many more remain and simply volunteering on weekends and securing the safety of her opposable appendages was not enough.
Specifically referring to a Peekskill family who lamented all the applicants left behind by their good fortune, Christina realized funding is also an issue that limits Habitat’s local efforts. “That’s why I decided to get involved and help out the organization any way I could,” says the 17 year old senior.
So for the third straight year, she presented Westchester Habitat’s Executive Director, Jim Killoran with a $1,200 check. Traversing the Spring Lake Five Mile Run every May, she picks up pledges at school and through a long email list. “I found most people are happy to help me for such a great cause,” she says.
Her initial interest in Habitat arose as John Jay organized a club in support of the Westchester Chapter. At the same time, she’s comfortable with leaving the actual architecture to the experts and hammer proficient. Meaning, the professionals employed by Habitat plan everything and figure out how best to utilize volunteers. “I’ve dug holes for drainpipes, painted and moved rocks,” she says of some of the duties performed.
That said, the heavy lifting is easily put aside when the impact is never far from sight. “You feel like you’re doing something to help out people in need in our own communities,” she says.
Volunteers also get to be a little selfish given all the hard work put in and what the needy get out. “We all have a great time together,” she says of the on sight atmosphere.
Nonetheless, she does flag at least one downside but takes it in stride. “You get kind of dirty,” she says.
As for her outside efforts, the five mile run definitely has her big toes in a far more familiar position than the corresponding digits on a build. “I run track,” she says.
Her Mom, Marianne acknowledges that youth and athleticism are characteristics that all students can capitalize on in order to make a difference – especially since the pockets they carry aren’t as deep as their parents. They have the physical strength and being part of a build or a running fundraiser easily follows, she says.
Of course, it can only happen when they are exposed to the needy among us. In this case, Christina’s introduction to Habitat opened her eyes and her heart. Actually meeting people in need of a basic necessity such as a home, says Ms. Lordi, “It really moved her.”
And the lesson is not meant to stay put. “If anybody sets their mind to it, there’s really no limit to what one person can contribute to an important cause,” Ms. Lordi conveys her daughter’s words in conclusion.