Memorial planned for Pres. Carter

FREMONT — Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity joins habitat organizations around the world in erecting a memorial door to pay tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter and acknowledge how his efforts opened doors to brighter futures for thousands of Habitat homeowners over nearly four decades. Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity will host a memorial event for President Carter at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums site in Fremont. This coincides with the National Day of Mourning for President Carter and will take place following the state funeral service for the president in Washington, D.C. During the memorial at Hayes Presidential, Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity will unveil the memorial door, which will be placed in the museum at Hayes Presidential. The media and general public are invited to attend the memorial event and pay tribute by signing the door with their names and personal messages. The door was built by students in Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Center's building trades department. In addition to the door, Hayes Presidential will display some artifacts and manuscripts related to President Carter's election and inauguration. The door and artifacts will be on an extended exhibit. "It doesn't take long for a discussion about Habitat for Humanity to lead towards a mention of President Jimmy Carter," said Pam Kensler, Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity executive director. "While President Carter wasn't the founder of Habitat for Humanity, he was certainly the one to create the public recognition that has created awareness of habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live," Kensler added. "Hearing the news that President Carter had entered into hospice care opened my eyes to the realization of how truly impactful his life of volunteering has been," Kensler said. "I am certain that his legacy will be long-lasting as he has inspired so many around the world to honor his life through volunteering and a renewed dedication to opening more doors for our neighbors in need." In addition to visiting the memorial, the public is invited to visit habitat.org to sign the official online memory book and to see and share Habitat's global tribute to President Carter. "President Carter's contributions to Habitat for Humanity are among the most vital to our organization," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "He opened doors of opportunity for families worldwide, and all of us at Habitat have been honored and humbled to work alongside him. We were truly blessed to have his support, and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Carter and the entire Carter family." Bio blast: Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity The nationwide Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity has been fulfilling this mission locally since 1989 through an affordable homeownership program. More than 30 households have been able to experience strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter as a result of the community's generosity as volunteers and donors. People can receive information by calling 419-355-1257, visiting sanduskycountyhfh.org and following the organization on social media.