Build-off raises funds for Habitat homes
December 1, 2023 Courtesy of Maddie Cutler, Daily Sun Senior Writer
Though the houses volunteers build for the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Jingle Build-Off are small, the impact they have on the community is not.
The organization that builds affordable homes for people in need is hosting its fifth annual Jingle Build-Off event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tavares Square, where community members will reveal miniature playhouses they built for local families.
Twenty-four groups sponsored jingle houses, the most ever for the event, which also serves as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
“This event is near and dear to my heart — the big picture is we have fun while helping provide affordable housing in Lake and Sumter counties,” said Melanie Lemmer, development coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “The funds this event raises goes to the real, family-sized homes we build in the community.”
Jingle houses are playhouses that are given to the families who move into Habitat houses. Though several groups started building their playhouses ahead of the event, some will put on finishing touches Saturday morning before builders reveal the playhouses to families starting at 11 a.m.