At Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity, we are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. This month, we’re highlighting Lloyd, a long-time volunteer whose journey with Habitat began over two decades ago.
A Mission Trip That Sparked a Passion
Lloyd first got involved with Habitat for Humanity on a church mission trip to John’s Island, South Carolina. During the trip, he had the opportunity to work alongside a Habitat employee, who took him to the local ReStore and a work site where he saw the incredible work they were doing to build and repair homes. Inspired by the mission, Lloyd returned to Charlotte and reached out to his local ReStore to get involved. That was in 1999, and he has been an active volunteer ever since.
Learning New Skills Through Volunteering
At the time, Lloyd worked as a computer programmer and owned his own company. Carpentry wasn’t a skill he had when he first started volunteering, but he quickly picked it up through hands-on experience. “I never expected to learn this skill,” he shared, “but once I saw what Habitat was doing, I wanted to be part of the impact.”
The 2 by 4 Boys: A Unique Volunteer Team
What is the 2 by 4 Boys, and how did it start?
The 2 by 4 Boys began in Charlotte, a group focused on carpentry projects. Over the years, the group has varied in size, sometimes as many as 12 members, other times as few as four. Their work is driven by the available materials, which leads to a wide range of projects.
What kind of projects do they work on?
The team creates everything from picnic tables to dog houses, Adirondack chairs, and garden benches—if you can name it, they’ve likely built it! One of their favorite activities is repurposing items from the ReStore that aren’t selling, transforming them into new, desirable pieces. For example, they’ve turned old headboards into love seat benches. Their creations contribute to the ReStore’s mission, as the items they build are sold to generate proceeds that help fund new Habitat homes.
Favorite and Most Challenging Builds
What has been your favorite item to build?
“My favorite items to build have been Adirondack chairs and love seats made from headboards and footboards.”
What has been the most challenging project?
“There were some projects we had to give up on. We once tried to use king-size bed material, but it didn’t really convert into much—unless you wanted a really large bench!”
Building for a Purpose
How does it feel knowing the proceeds from your work go directly to funding homes?
“It’s wonderful because we’ve seen the impact firsthand over the years, and it makes us feel good! Most of the guys have also been part of Habitat’s construction projects, including building homes and even accessibility ramps. One of our most challenging ramps was about 50 yards long—longer and larger than we ever imagined!”
Highlights of Working with the 2 by 4 Boys
What stands out the most about working with this group?
“The willingness to work as a team. No one focuses solely on their individual task—we work together, which makes all the difference.”
What is something that really stood out to you during your time here as a volunteer?
“The people in Monroe—the staff and director—wanted us here. They appreciate our work and make us feel like part of the organization. The system of repairing and repurposing furniture for the Union-Anson County Habitat Restores is one of quality.”
How Has Volunteering Shaped Your Perspective?
“I think being involved with people is critical to life. People who hide away are in the process of dying. As a senior citizen, staying involved with people is what keeps me going. My advice is: ‘Look for how God has gifted you, and use that to help other people.’
Even though I retired, my skills didn’t go away. I have had to recognize my limitations as I’ve gotten older—I can’t do construction work like roofing or climbing ladders anymore. But I can lead a team like the 2 x 4 boys to create useable household items to be sold at the Restores. Knowing your limitations is important.”
Passing on the Passion for Building
Have you passed on your construction skills to others?
“My son is more skilled in construction than I am. I don’t think I passed on the skills, but I definitely passed on the enthusiasm.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
Inspired by Lloyd’s story? Whether you have construction experience, are looking to learn new skills, or novice. Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. Get involved today and be a part of something bigger!
