The Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity has helped us all become better citizens and neighbors over the past two decades

The Tri-County Area can count itself fortunate to have had the Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity for the past 20 years.

The organization that has helped dozens of families own better homes celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Kicking off that celebration was the dedication of a home Sunday afternoon in Jonesville.

Four events are planned, including an effort to do 20 home repair projects. Materials will be donated by Smith Phillips Building Supply and W.E. Sale and Sons.

Plans for a home building project in East Bend are being made.

Yadkin Valley and Yadkin County Rotary clubs will then cooperate on a golf tournament they hope will raise $50,000. That is about two and a-half times previous record fund amounts collected from the annual tournament.

Organizers feel it is appropriate to set the high goal for the anniversary. NBA star Chris Paul, who helped with a Habitat home in Forsyth County has agreed to help with the tournament and may bring some other big sports names to help with the effort. A gala fundraiser will round out the year's special projects.

For two decades, the organization has raised money through local individuals, churches and business. It has provided for our neighbors and found a way for us to take advantage of opportunities to help.

The Habitat Home Shop in Elkin has been a source of opportunities to help provide money to the organization and a source of good inexpensive household goods.

The volunteer opportunities in helping build homes have uplifted many of our neighbors.

The families that end up owning the homes invest in the community with their sweat , their house payments and property taxes. They are seen as more invested, stable members of the community.

Habitat for Humanity allows us to receive by giving a way some of our good fortune.

That makes us all better.