First United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Tim Trent said his church’s effort Sunday to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Covington County (HFHCC) was an even more successful venture than he originally expected.

“As of (Tuesday), we have 96 pledges totaling just under $12,700,” Trent said. “We’ve still got plenty of pledge cards out that we’re waiting to get back, so that number could get even bigger. My goal was to have 50 people making pledges — enough to get us to $6,000 — so we ended up getting more than double that. It was just a great day.”

The pledge drive was coined “The $10 Club” because the goal was to get 50 people to donate $10 a month for a year, with the proceeds going to HFHCC. Trent said that most of the 86 counted pledges gave $10, with some giving a little more and some giving a little less.

Trent added that Sunday’s worship service was geared entirely toward the mission of HFHCC. Special speakers included John Croft, HFHCC church relations committee chairperson, and Dale “Flip” Pancake, president of HFHCC.

“We had some people visiting our church (Sunday) who were from other churches and wanted to see how we’re doing this program,” Trent said. “I got great feedback from them as they were leaving, saying that it was a great service. We’re certainly hoping that they do similar programs with their churches.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit charitable organization that constructs houses for needy “partner families.” The houses are built from volunteer labor and the families own the house and pay a small mortgage fee, as well as help out with construction.

Construction on the first house is slated to begin in early April. The location of the build has not been determined.

HFHCC is a 501(c)(3) organization, making donations tax-deductible. Donation checks should be made out to “Habitat for Humanity of Covington County” and sent to Habitat for Humanity of Covington County, P.O. Box 1034, Andalusia, AL 36420.

Trent said HFHCC is a community-based endeavor that will require help from all citizens to ultimately be a success.

“This drive was not about our church, it was entirely about Habitat,” he said. “And Habitat isn’t just for church people, it’s for everyone. We need the help of every person in Covington County to help make (Habitat) do the best it can do.”