H abitat for Humanity organizers have long said that volunteers are a vital part of the community event, and on Friday, the 85 volunteers proved how much a group can accomplish in one day.

Early yesterday morning, there was a simple concrete slab poured for the foundation to Tammy Taylor and family’s first home at the corner of College and Oak Streets in Andalusia.

By lunch time, the volunteers, which included the LBWCC Saints baseball team, Southeast Alabama Gas District employees, employees of contractor Wyatt Sasser, and more, had constructed the external wall panels and were busy putting up trusses.

Habitat chapter director Dale Pancake said he hoped the forecast rain would allow volunteers to get the roof decking up before they went home on Friday.

“We’ve made more progress than I thought, we would,” Pancake said. “It’s been great to have the SEAGD skilled people here, and Wyatt Sasser brought his folks and the LBW baseball team has been great.”

LBWCC baseball players said they just wanted to give back.

“I think it’s important for us to help out people less fortunate,” said sophomore pitcher Clark Guy, who is from Millbrook.

Sophomore first baseman Ryan Barnes from Huntsville said working on civic projects like Habitat gives them a chance to give back.

“We benefit in that we learn that it’s important to give back to a community who has blessed us,” Barnes said.

Freshman third baseman Eric Walding from Hartford said not only is this an opportunity for the team to give back, it is also a great time for the team to build camaraderie.

“We are taught to serve,” he said. “We just want to go out and bless those who aren’t as fortunate.”

Taylor said she was thrilled that so many people turned out to help make her dream come true.

“LBWCC baseball team is an amazing group of boys, they have been willing to help,” he said. “One of the baseball players came up to me and said he was praying for me and my family.”

Today, more volunteers are needed to continue the project.

Kylan Lewis, volunteer chair for the Covington County chapter, said work will kick off at 8 a.m. today and will end at 4 p.m.

“I’m expecting 30 to 50 for Saturday,” he said. “We’re going to have enough food for 75 volunteers.”

David’s Catfish provided lunch for volunteers on Friday and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church will provide lunches today.

Additionally, CCB Community Bank provided breakfast on Friday.

This is the fourth Habitat house constructed in the county and will be the second build in Andalusia.