Jaguars players, staff members and members of the ROAR pulled together as a team to help build houses for HabiJax this past Friday. Thirty volunteers worked on three different houses located on the Jacksonville's Westside, Northside and the downtown area. Two of the houses were in need of fresh paint while walls needed to be raised on the third.
Jaguars players Jeff Chandler, Chris Hanson, Chris Luzar, Brad Meester, Mike Pearson, Todd Yoder and Joe Zelenka all participated in the effort.
"Anytime I get to use some serious power tools, sign me up," said tight end Chris Luzar, who assisted with the framework. "This is a great opportunity to get out in the community to lend a hand. Working with wood and tools is something I really enjoy doing, so this more like fun than work to me," he added. Luzar was joined in the framing effort by fellow tight end Todd Yoder and long snapper Joe Zelenka.
Punter Chris Hanson and center Brad Meester utilized their artistic skills by putting paint brushes to use. "I am always painting some room in my house, so this is something that I am used to," said Hanson, laughing. "This is a great way to give back to the community because when you are done working, you can step back and actually see what you have accomplished," he added.
HabiJax is the largest affiliate homebuilder within the Habitat for Humanity organization. The Jaguars have sponsored 18 houses through the Florida Sales Tax Refund Program since 2001. For Super Bowl XXXIX, HabiJax will build 39 houses in 39 days.
