SOUTH PORTLAND – For Ben DeLong, building a house of LEGOs is more than just child’s play.
The 10-year-old from Durham headed to the Maine Mall on Saturday with a definite plan in mind for putting together a traditional home at the LEGO House Build-a-thon, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
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DeLong, supported by his parents and family friends sporting “Team Ben” T-shirts, had a good chunk of his house done minutes into the three-hour-long event.
Builders could choose to put together either traditional or creative houses, and DeLong opted for the former.
“They’re just normal,” he explained, as he put in doors, windows and walls with the plastic blocks.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers noted that the real point of the event — raising money — would help pay for the interior walls the organization is putting up for Danine Brown and her three children in Westbrook.
DeLong did his part, raising $185 from family and friends, easily exceeding the $20 minimum that Habitat for Humanity was seeking from each entrant. Stefanie Millette, the group’s education and special projects coordinator, said the event netted more than $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
DeLong’s parents knew what to expect from their son, who had worked out his plan of attack at home.
“You should see his room,” Susan DeLong said.
Nearby, 9-year-old Hunter Brown and 8-year-old Keegan Haley, both of Gray, took a less precise approach.
They arrived with no firm plan in mind, took a look at the LEGOs that were supplied and started in on a boat and a lighthouse. Brown said he planned to put a house on the boat, probably meeting the definition to be considered in the creative category.
Millette said the Build-a-thon is part of the “Youth Can Build” program of Habitat for Humanity. Since those younger than 16 are barred from taking part in Habitat’s actual house-building, it’s a way for kids and teenagers to contribute, she said.
The last event, held in July, paid for siding for Danine Brown’s home, she said, and the hope is that the money raised by this year’s build-a-thon will help complete the house by April or May.
Staff Writer Edward D. Murphy can be contacted at 791-6465 or at:
emurphy@pressherald.com
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