Boston College & Denison University SWEAT it out in Berkeley County
This March, Berkeley Habitat for Humanity had the incredible opportunity to host two collegiate groups across two separate weeks as part of our Collegiate Challenge Sweat Break 2026. Each week brought new energy, unique experiences, and dedicated students committed to serving our community and advancing Habitat’s mission.
Week One: Boston College
We were excited to welcome Boston College back to Berkeley County for their fifth year in a row! Throughout their week with us, students spent time serving both on site and at the ReStore, while also learning from Habitat staff, homeowners, and community partners.
Throughout the week, these students:
- Volunteered with Will in our ReStore by transporting shelving, pricing merchandise, organizing the sales floor, and assembling furniture
- Served on site at 215 Hutchinson Lane by installing sod and shutters, completing porch trim-out, touching up paint, and prepping final areas for the Hutchinson Lane Project and upcoming sidewalk concrete pour
- Began porch work on 217 Hutchinson Lane
- Heard from inspiring speakers and Habitat partners including Will (ReStore Assistant Manager), Charles (Board Member, Pinnacle Financial Partners), Stephanie (homeowner), Tony (Board Member, DuPont), and Rebecca (Self-Help Federal Credit Union)
- Enjoyed sponsored lunches from Ms. Rin and FPMC, Chick-fil-A, Firehouse Subs, and Swig & Swine
- Explored the Lowcountry while enjoying sunshine and warmer weather
Boston College students once again brought an incredible spirit of service, leadership, and enthusiasm, making a lasting impact during their week with Berkeley Habitat.
Week Two: Denison University
The following week, we welcomed students from Denison University for their Sweat Break experience. While their daily schedule differed, the impact remained just as meaningful as students split time between the ReStore, active build sites, and professional development opportunities.
Highlights from the week included:
- Time spent at the ReStore cleaning, organizing, and pricing merchandise while learning about Habitat operations and teamwork alongside Will
- Work completed on multiple Habitat homes including painting, cleaning, final home details, laying sod, beginning vinyl siding, and preparing 215 Hutchinson Lane for closing and the upcoming Home Dedication
- Lunch and conversations with generous partners and speakers including Charles (Board Member, Pinnacle Financial Partners), Tron and volunteers with Healing Farms, Victoria Mitchum (Fifth Third Bank), Kristen Lanier (Terracon), Bob Bruno (Town of Moncks Corner), Dennis Black (Berkeley Habitat Grant Writer), and George Druyos, CEO
- Sponsored lunches provided by Big Billy’s Burger Joint, Healing Farms, Terracon, KFC Moncks Corner, and First Presbyterian Church of Moncks Corner
- A meaningful final day of service before heading to the beach to celebrate a productive and impactful week
We are always honored to host collegiate groups each year. Whether for one week or many years in a row, these students bring passion, curiosity, and heart to everything they do. Their willingness to serve helps us continue being the hands and feet of our mission—providing deserving families with the life-changing opportunity of homeownership.
Thank you to both Boston College and Denison University, along with the many partners, speakers, and volunteers who made Collegiate Challenge Sweat Break 2026 such a success. Until next year!
