On Oct. 14, nearly 800 people passed through the Knights of Columbus Hall in Dodge City to chow down on some chili and dessert, and at the same time, help a local Habitat for Humanity building project.

The chili feed, which cost participants a good-will donation, showed the good will of local folk, who pennied up a total of nearly $7,000 for the project.

The event was hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club, and included volunteers of all ages serving up the tasty vittles.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing ministry that builds homes for the poor using donated goods and volunteer laborers. The future occupants of the home must put in "sweat equity" by helping to build the home. They will then pay a down payment, and will make monthly mortgage payments, but at a greatly reduced price.

A lot upon which the new Habitat House will be built was donated by a Garden City firm. It is located at 1303 Avenue H.

For further information about volunteering, or to donate to Habitat for Humanity of Dodge City, call (620) 338-6707, or send donations to: P.O. Box 1615, Dodge City, KS 67801.