15 members of the law school community (10 1Ls, 4 2Ls and one faculty member) spent the hot, sticky afternoon in the Home Works Warehouse. Working alongside Home Works Executive Director and Founder, Hank Chardos, they packed and sorted building and repair materials for later home improvement projects. Home Works is a nonprofit organization that provides home repairs and improvements to the homes of elderly and disabled homeowners. Since its development 14 years ago, Home Works volunteers have repaired over 1500 homes throughout the Southeast. Hand Chardos said that the organization "convey[s] a message of hope . . and enable[s] elders to know that people care." There is a two year waiting list for Columbia elders in need of home repairs. All of the repairs are done free of cost as the organization is primarily volunteer-based (with the exception of 3 employees) and the materials used are all donated.
Most of the law students involved today have been previously involved in volunteer projects. 1L Sam Shoemaker, who attended USC for undergrad, has participated in the University's MLK National Day of Service in the past. He thought today's project was a great way to interact with and get to know new classmates. "Your either meeting each other in the classroom or at the bar," he said. This opportunity provided an unusual forum to get to know classmates on a different level.
Several other students thought this was a great way to start off the year. One student said that she thought it should be mandatory. "I think a lot of people don't want to come when they first hear about it, but once you get here, it is fun," said Jenna Williams, 1L.
Amy Milligan, the students' Legal Writing Instructor, worked along side the students in the warehouse. She also thought this activity was a good way for the students to bond. She was impressed with the number of students who volunteered today.
Despite the heat, the students were happy to mingle with each other while giving back to the community.
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