GIVE’ing: Volunteer team pampers local Habitat for Humanity for a day

For those who give a lot and often, a little pampering makes for a welcome reward. On Jan. 29, a Global Impact Volunteer Event helped Asheville Habit for Humanity workers get a little TLC — free massages, haircuts, chiropractic adjustments and, even, a little pizza and pasta.

GIVE targets those in the service community who aren’t always recognized but nonetheless dedicate their lives to bettering our community,” says Serenity Allen, who coordinates the program through Dr. Michael Fortini’s Merrimon Family Chiropractic’s outreach program.

Kedrick Justice, a 23-year-old merchandise handler at Habitat for Humanity, often moves very heavy donated items, like sofa beds and hot tubs; he signed up for a massage, admitting that he had often thought of getting one, but never seemed to find the time during his off hours because of other priorities.

He was one of several Habitat staff and volunteers who benefited from the services the day’s GIVE volunteers — Dr. Craig Arcamone from Merrimon Family Chiropractic, Dean Jackson from Fifth Element Massage, hair stylist Tiffany Payne, and lunch by Pasta Fasta. Marina Johnston from Mary Kay, and Ariel Zimmerman from Anytime Fitness also offered special promotions for Habitat employees.

(Pictured: Arcamone evaluates Kedric Justice’s range of motion.)

“We want to bring services and perks to our service community during regular work hours,” says Allen.

Over the last year, the program has held many pampering events for charitable organizations and public-service employees, including ones for Rainbow Mountain Children’s School, The Humane Society, Sisters of Mercy, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and many others.

Those interested in hosting a G.I.V.E event for their service-oriented organization can contact Allen at 280-0693 for more details. Anyone with a background in service, health or wellness is also encouraged to call for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Miguel Lasala is a photographer and guest contributor.

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