F E AT U R E nity to give his construction students real-world experience and help someone in need at the same time. The combination of the students working alongside building professionals using donated materials “is like a three-legged stool. It’s borderline perfect,” Ellis says. The high school students are contributing valuable labor, gaining experience and also making professional connections with the builders who are contributing their time to the project, Ellis says. “Hopefully we get jobs out of this for our students,” he says. Ellis added that having the students working at the site helps him recruit professionals to donate their time, since companies are on the lookout for new hires with construction workers in high demand. West-MEC construction student Chris Lopez, of Peoria, was working on a plumbing project inside the home. “It feels nice,” he says. “It’s rewarding to feel like you’re helping. It gives you the opportunity to work in your community.” Turney said that having the construction students step up and be involved has en-
46
Sound of Freedom | MARCH/APRIL 2022
A home in Glendale where Operation Enduring Gratitude is currently performing renovations, Thursday, February 17, in Glendale. (Photo by David Minton)
