The University of Louisiana at Lafayette chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity to make the holidays brighter for one local family.
Beta Alpha Psi is an honor society for accounting majors. Each year, its members surprise a family that is participating in the Lafayette Habitat for Humanity home ownership program by providing food for the holidays.
This year, Beta Alpha Psi members decided to also buy presents for the Savoy family: mother Wanda and children Matthew, 12, and Precious, 5.
They presented a box of groceries and gifts, which included a restaurant gift card, a dollhouse and a Nintendo DS video game device, to the family Wednesday night at Moody Hall on campus.
“We work with Habitat for Humanity every year, and this year we tried to make it extra special due to circumstances that the family was put under,” said Alexandra Dardar, vice president of service activities for the honor society.
Wanda Savoy had been having a hard time making ends meet after she recently lost her wallet, which she had accidentally left on top of her car. The wallet contained cash she had been saving for a down payment on her Habitat home.
“It made it a struggle, but the kids were able to get the presents they wanted,” said Savoy, who added that receiving the food and gifts was “a blessing.”
The holidays can be stressful for those trying to provide for their families, said Katie Tregre, communications coordinator for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity. “Beta Alpha Psi members went the extra mile. It’s really rewarding to see,” she said.
Beta Alpha Psi members also volunteer time every semester at Habitat for Humanity construction sites. They are looking forward to helping build the Savoy’s home, Dardar said. Construction is expected to begin in March.
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit group that builds homes with volunteer help. The homes are sold to working families. The organization also provides other support, such as fundraising and securing interest-free mortgages owners of Habitat homes.
Lafayette Habitat for Humanity has built 93 homes in Lafayette and Vermilion parishes.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to have my own house, a place that’s a home for the kids,” said Savoy, who spent time in a homeless shelter after escaping an abusive relationship.
For more information about Lafayette Habitat for Humanity or the Savoy family, visit www.habitatlafayette.org or call (337) 261-5041.
For more information about the UL Lafayette chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, visit www.moody.louisiana.edu and click “Student Organizations.”