The Price family, surround by family and friends, officially received the keys to their new home Sunday afternoon from members of Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County.
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ROCHELLE — The Price family, surround by family and friends, officially received the keys to their new home Sunday afternoon from members of Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County.
The organization held a blessing ceremony for Derek and April Price, along with their three daughters complete with housewarming gifts and refreshments.
Over the past year the family has contributed many hours towards the home’s finishing touches including painting and installation of the hardwood floors.
“It’s a mix of emotions…super excited and relieved this day is finally here,” Derek said. “Any of the work we could do ourselves, we were excited to do it. We loved every bit of it.”
Joining the Price family were HFHOC board members, representatives from local organizations, and Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson. Pastor Rob Hamilton blessed the home with prayers and using chalk in a symbolic gesture, each member of the family wrote on the door trim with the letters C.M.B. 2018, which in Latin, stands for “May Christ bless this dwelling, 2018.”
Members from LULAC of Rochelle presented a housewarming basket filled with supplies for the family, an Ashton church group presented a quilt, and the Northern Illinois Reading Council presented a handmade shelf with gift bags filled with books for the Price daughters.
Gail Tuttle, HFHOC volunteer coordinator, presented framed pictures of the family contributing “sweat equity.” Several HFHOC board members also led in prayer.
“This is humbling. From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you very much,” Derek said, surrounded by his family. “This is such a blessing and very overwhelming.”
April echoed her husband’s emotions, acknowledging they have looked forward to the day and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the home’s construction. April admits she enjoyed learning how to piece together the flooring, with each bedroom taking about six hours.
“We are so excited, we get to move in today,” April said on Sunday. “This has been a big learning experience, and a big sense of pride.”
HFHOC board members include Don Schier, Shellie Knox, Tom Hughes, Dave Starke, Joanne Carr, Devin White, Don Roberts, Virgil Rocke, Gail Tuttle, Eva Chu, and Randy Wagner along with executive director Vanessa White-Broome.
