Habitat for Humanity Helping Hands receives $500 gift

The State Bank of Whittington has contributed $500 to Helping Hands of Franklin County, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Steve Owens, president of the bank, presented the $500 check last week to Frank Grounds, a director of Helping Hands.
"We sincerely appreciate the bank's generous donation," Grounds said. "It will help us offer people a hand up by giving them an opportunity to purchase and help build their own home with a 20-year, interest-free loan. A home which will be built to meet their individual family needs.
"We are currently completing construction of our 14th home for a young couple in West Frankfort. In addition to that home we are proud of our newly constructed storage building on Beatrice Street here in Benton. This building gives us a place to centrally store building materials and equipment we use in constructing our homes."
Bill Carter, chairman of the organization's family selection committee, said more applicants for homes are being sought.
"We are currently accepting applications for our next project, which will be a home in Benton," Carter said. "Applicants must have a minimum annual income of $24,000 and be willing to contribute 300 sweat equity hours to the construction of their new home. The homeowners are also responsible for paying their own real estate taxes and insurance which is included in their monthly payment."
Carter said applications may be picked up at J & S Pharmacy in West Frankfort, Hart & Hart in Benton or the Benton Public Library. They also may call the local Habitat phone at 618-663-0412 and ask that an application be mailed to them.