Habitat For Humanity Hits The Lottery Without Buying A Ticket

It depends heavily on donations but Habitat for Humanity says it's never received one quite like this. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports a man gave the group his winning lottery ticket worth

Friday, April 20th 2007, 8:49 pm

By: News On 6

It depends heavily on donations but Habitat for Humanity says it's never received one quite like this. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports a man gave the group his winning lottery ticket worth $10,000.

With volunteers and a willing spirit the organization goes to work building homes for needy families.

â€œWe've built 150 houses in Tulsa. Our organization estimates we need to build another 1,350 by the year 2025,â€ said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Gary Casteel.

Donations make it possible, and in the past people have donated cash, checks, and their time, but never a lottery ticket, that is until now.

"It was unbelievable because who would think you could win the lottery and never buy a ticket,â€ Casteel said.

After taxes, the $10,000 ticket was worth $7,100. It is money Habitat for Humanity says it can't wait to put to use.

â€œWe're just happy to have it,â€ said Casteel.

So more people like Tim Neal can move into a home of their own. He moved into a Habitat built home a year ago.

â€œWhen I walked through and saw the home under construction it was hard to hold back tears,â€ said Neal.

Now, he volunteers with Habitat to build homes for others.

â€œIt doesn't just build homes and people move in, I've literally seen it change lives,â€ Neal said.

And Habitat says it'll keep accepting donations no matter how unique, so that it can continue to build dreams one brick at a time.

Habitat for Humanity says the$7,100 could also go toward hiring a new family services person. That position was left vacant after a volunteer retired.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to Habitat for Humanity visit their website, www.habitat-tulsa.org.

Watch the video: Tulsa Charity Receives Winning Lottery Ticket