Sachem East Class Government Takes Part in Habitat for Humanity Build in East Patchogue

It's not often people can say they helped build a house. A group of 10 students from Sachem High School East all joined the exclusive club Saturday morning.

Teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, 10 Junior Class Government members rolled up their sleeves, swung hammers and helped place sheetrock in an East Patchogue residence.

Habitat for Humanity has around 35 high schools from Long Island affiliated with the program that builds homes in about six months. They construct around a dozen per year in the area.

This is East's fourth build under the guidance of club advisor Susan King, who is retiring this year after 30 years of service in the Sachem Central School District.

"In our district kids love to do service," she said. "They just love it."

"It means everything to us," said Kathy Schaefer, director of corporate, faith and volunteer services for Habitat Suffolk "These students learn about the need for adequate shelter, safe shelter and affordable shelter. It teaches them community service and how much they can make a difference in a family's life."

King had Schaefer's children in her Spanish classes at Sachem and the volunteer unity started shortly after.

Cindy Albinowski-Hunter, the homeowner who is moving in eventually with her husband John, son John and daughter Kimberly, addressed the volunteers. For her, this mean's the world.

"It's a dream come true," she said.