ERIE, Pa. - On Saturday, November 9, 2013 the Penn State Behrend baseball program, contributed volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity. The baseball program provided a group of 12 players and coaches to continue work on a home refurbishing project in the City of Erie. The team donated a four-hour work day by completing painting, sanding, trim cutting and hanging, and other interior work of a Habitat for Humanity home.

"It was a terrific day for all of us," said head coach Paul Benim. "This is a simple, but meaningful way for our players and coaches to make a little difference. Today and in the past we were able to make an impact for a local family by working. Habitat is an organization that does several outstanding things while helping families."

In previous years with Habitat, the baseball program has built storage sheds for new homes, completed roofing, worked on interiors and exteriors of homes, and organized the Habitat warehouse. The Behrend Lions athletic staff and SAAC have also worked in the past for Habitat for Humanity as a community service project.

"It's always an exciting time when we get to participate in Habitat for Humanity," said senior captain, Dante DeSantis. "Donating our time and effort is a way we can give back to the community. All of our guys thoroughly enjoyed it."  Chad Zurat, another senior captain added, "Saturday was a great experience. It is a good feeling knowing the house we helped work on will benefit a local family."

Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates houses and neighborhoods by providing simple, decent affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Reaching out from Christian roots across denominational, faith, economic and racial lines, Habitat works in partnership with prospective and existing home owners, volunteers, donors, community organizations and all those who can help reach these goals.