BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -
The staff at a clothing store in Gulfport is learning a different way of working together. Banana Republic employees spent Thursday morning volunteering for Habitat For Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The employees are used to a job site that involves jeans and sweaters, but this job site was a little different. They found themselves working with paint cans ad power tools. Employees of the Banana Republic clothing store said they were happy for a chance to give back by volunteering.
"I'm born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast so actually it's a great opportunity for me actually do something in my community," said Ezrahel Asad, a Banana Republic employee.
Habitat For Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast officials said the number of volunteers coming in from outside the area is starting to wane so helping hands from local individuals and area businesses are crucial.
"The great thing about having a local volunteer versus the out of town volunteers is they can go back and talk about the experience right here locally. Which either brings other volunteers or introduces Habitat to people who don't know about our program that could come and apply for home ownership," Adele Lyons of Habitat For Humanity said.
The employees said their parent company, the Gap Incorporated, not only encourages the staff to volunteer, but also donates to the causes.
"Gap will actually put out a $250 grant for every 25 hours we volunteer," said Karen Minor another Banana Republic employee. "So it's actually great we get to come out and do the work and they also get the $250 grant."
A dozen Banana Republic employees worked at two homes in East Biloxi.
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