LeRoy-Ostrander students are adding one piece to what will soon be a family's home in town.

The high school industrial arts class, as a project for Habitat for Humanity, is building a utility shed to go with a house that will be constructed this spring.

Industrial arts teacher Al Hodgdon said cooperation with organizations like this is a great situation for everyone.

"It's good experience for the kids, plus they get to do something for Habitat for Humanity," Hodgdon said. "We kind of see it as a win-win thing. It's good for us, and it's good for them."

"I think it's a great idea," junior Terry Free said. "With them not having to pay for labor on it or anything. Me, I like doing that kind of thing."

Habitat for Humanity regularly recruits schools and other parts of the community to contribute to the cause. Volunteer Kristi Yost said volunteer sheets were passed out to churches, community centers, senior centers and many other areas. Students from Glenville, for example, have contributed a shed for a house currently going up in Austin.

"We try to utilize as many sources as we can," Yost said.

Hodgdon said it is nice to be able to work on a bigger project in class. He said it broadens the range of activities for the students.

"We haven't done a lot of carpentry stuff," Hodgdon said. "It's nice in the spring and fall like this to get the kids outside to do some things."

Even students in junior high might get to gain experience from the project.

"When we get to the point of putting on shingles and that kind of thing, I'll probably get them involved too," he said.

Hodgdon said projects like this are sometimes difficult to squeeze in around a set curriculum, but if he could count on it yearly, he might make it a part of the class.

Junior Brandon Hummel said he has learned a lot and expects the shed to be a good one. He said Hodgdon is a big help for the students.

"I've been to other schools before, and it's nothing like this," he said. "He explains the full routine and helps as much as he can."

Hodgdon expects to finish the shed in five or six days. Habitat for Humanity is still organizing the crew and supervisor for the LeRoy house, so they have not broken ground yet, but they expect to begin in the next week or two.

Hummel said he is glad to be a part of the process.

"It's nice to see that the people around here are dedicated to doing something for the public," he said.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com