On Dec. 6, local Modern Woodmen of America members gave a lasting gift to the community.

Members of the Pinehurst Modern Woodmen Camp gathered at Lourdes Saavedra's home to landscape her new Habitat house.

Lourdes is one of 160 Habitat homeowners in the Sandhills region and the first to receive landscaping from Modern Woodmen.

The project was part of Plant a Tree, a nationwide program introduced by Modern Woodmen for its members in 2004.

"This program ties Modern Woodmen members to the roots of our organization," says Mike Bernard, leader of the Pinehurst Camp.

The local Habitat affiliate is eligible for the program every other year.

"The name Modern Woodmen honors the pioneer woodmen who cleared the forests to build homes and secure futures for their families," Bernard says. "Modern Woodmen offers financial services to help clear away members' financial burdens. And today planting trees is a gift for families, our community, and the environment."

"Modern Woodmen and Habitat working together make a wonderful and natural partnership," says Amanda Jakl, communications coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, "We're both working to create a secure future for families in our community."

Through the Plant A Tree program and the help of its members, Modern Woodmen will plant thousands of trees across the United States this year. Anyone wanting more information can contact Bernard at 673-3383.

Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen of America offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills is a Christian housing ministry that is able to offer interest-free mortgages to individuals in need of simple, decent housing. It partners with families, volunteers, churches and community organizations to work toward their goal of ending substandard housing in the Sandhills.

Anyone needing more information or who would like to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity can contact Jakl at 334-1162 or 295-1934.

Habitat is currently seeking volunteers and supporters of all kinds.