This work group is made up of adults from the area surrounding Tuscola, Illinois, and surrounding communities.  The group has its beginnings in the Tuscola United Methodist Church in 1982.  Many men and women from the area have participated over the years and now represent several churches and denominations.  We started with five men from Tuscola UMC and grew to over forty attending several work camps.  Our age range has been quite varied.   We have had two participants over 80 and several participants have brought their high school aged sons or daughters.  Grandsons and grand daughters have also participated  We have worked along side other groups from the local areas and from the Collegiate Challenge program.

Several of our members have helped build Habitat for Humanity houses at other times including Jimmy Carter Work Camps.  In 1987, six of our group attended the Jimmy Carter Work Camp in Charlotte,  NC, and helped build 15 houses from start to move-in.

We are a  'self-contained' group, meaning, we provide the majority of our own tools and we usually have at least two individuals capable of laying out walls and following the construction of the complete house.  Our biggest need (other than materials) is someone from the local affiliate who knows how things need to be done according to local code and policy of the affiliate.

We generally stay in local churches or camps and provide our own air mattresses, cots and sleeping bags.  Usually we provide for breakfast of fruit and cereal where we stay and  take advantage of local fare or brown bag our lunches.  Most of the time, during our work week, we are fortunate to meet with local people and discuss the affiliate's work in their community.  This is done through potluck meals, meeting with clubs, speaking with the local media and just visiting with those we happen to encounter during the course of our day.  Many times our presence spawns very positive reactions in the local community as attested to by calls of inquiry about volunteering and by those interested in applying for housing.

Since our humble beginnings in 1982 we have worked every year helping where needed.  We have made many friends far and wide and have had many experiences that only can be described as feelings of the heart.  The following list gives a guide of the width and breadth of our work over the years.