Locals who want to keep the Christmas spirit of giving going are needed today and Saturday at the Habitat for Humanity build on Airport Road.

Dale Pancake, director of the county’s HFH chapter, said Thursday that work is resuming today on what will become the home of the Laney family. This is the fifth HFH home built in Covington County and the first constructed in the county jurisdiction.

Work began on the three-bedroom home in November.

“Things are coming along,” Pancake said. “We didn’t quite make the five-week deadline, but we’re getting closer. Rain and cold weather pushed us back, but today, crews will work on painting door trim, installing shoe molding and the like. Volunteers are definitely needed.”

Crews will work both days between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., he said.

“We’re still trying to finish the inside – all we lack is finishing,” Pancake said with a laugh. “My prediction of being done in five weeks, didn’t work, so I’m hesitant in putting a date on when we’ll be done.

“I can say that we’re still really excited about the project,” he said. “The Laneys are a good family, such nice folks. We’re doing our best to get them in as quick as we can. (The house) looks like a home. The upper cabinets are in, and tile work is going on in the kitchen.”

HFH is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. To date, the local chapter has completed four homes – two in Andalusia, and one in Opp and Florala. In addition to meeting financial requirements, Habitat families qualify for a home by providing “sweat equity” during the construction process.

Pancake said donations of all kinds are still needed for the build and for future builds.

“When we finish this house, we’ll have to start from scratch for the next build,” he said. “But that’s OK. We have three new families in the works who have helped with this house. It’s a continuous process.”

To arrive at the Laney home, volunteers traveling from Andalusia should take U.S. Hwy. 84 toward Opp and make a left onto Airport Road. The home is at the intersection of Airport and Oliver Taylor Roads, in the Babbie Community.

Those requesting information on how to become a partner family or those wishing to make donations should write to the local HFH chapter at: Covington County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1034 Andalusia, AL 36420.