"It really felt good," said Bernadette Meier, manager of Meier Supply design and development. "Everyone I talked to said they'd like to do it again. At the end of the day you may be dirty, tired, and sore, but you also know you were a part of something that will make a difference in another person's life."

The house was gutted to the bare walls and will be completely refinished, according to the wholesaler. The Meier Supply teams removed a brick chimney between the first floor and the roof; removed the furnace; ripped out lath, plaster, and nails; and removed all debris created in the process.

Frank Meier Jr., president and CEO of Meier Supply, said he has long been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity. His first involvement was through the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). Meier recently completed his term as president of HARDI.

"HARDI has always been very supportive of Habitat for Humanity and has actually sent teams to a Jimmy Carter build," he said. "Last year we got involved on a local level, donating window air conditioners to the Broome County Chapter of Habitat. We decided to put a team together."

Broome County Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build simple, decent homes and create safe neighborhoods in partnership with those people in need. Habitat for Humanity forms partnerships with local churches, large and small business, civic groups, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations that are also dedicated to helping people in need.

Meier Supply distributes HVACR products through 14 branch locations in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as a 36,000-square-foot distribution center in Johnson City.

Publication date: 08/29/2005