WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A shed raffle has raised thousands of dollars for Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. 

 

Habitat construction volunteers took a break from their latest project on Maple Street on Saturday to draw the winning name in the shed raffle.  

 

After a drum roll performed with screwdrivers and paint-stirring sticks, neighbor and elementary school student Mimi pulled out ticket stub number 125, bought by a Hinsdale resident. Sheds-N-Stuff in Cheshire will transport the shed to the winner's home.

 

"What a fun, successful effort," said Keith Davis, board president.  

 

Close to two hundred people bought tickets, some purchasing a single chance and some 20, raising thousands of dollars for the local Habitat's mission to build safe, decent, and affordable housing for lower-income area residents. 

 

In addition to homebuilding, NBHfH's Brush With Kindness program provides critical external repairs or construction, such as an access ramp, that will enable someone to stay in their home. 

 

Shed materials were paid for by an anonymous donor, the structure was built by students in the McCann Technical School carpentry program, and it was painted and decorated by Habitat volunteers. 

 

All of the money raised stays with the nonprofit.  

 

"We bought the shed materials locally and local volunteers assembled them. A local person wins the shed, and the proceeds from the raffle will help build a house for a family in northern Berkshire County or fund a Brush With Kindness project," said volunteer Thomas Kirby, pausing in his efforts to remove a dent from a duct tube. "We are grateful for such generous community support." 

 

Local media outlets publicized the raffle for free.

 

Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity serves the towns of Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, North Adams, and Williamstown as well as Stamford, Vt. Learn more here.