MOSES LAKE - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake presented Roy and Judy Warnick with the Golden Hammer Award.

The award is for individuals and businesses demonstrating support for Habitat's mission of "putting keys to homes in the hands of those in need," according to the organization.

The Warnicks have been longtime advocates for Habitat.

Judy Warnick, who is the state Representative for Legislative District 13, has donated Christmas trees to Habitat's annual Festival of Trees for 17 years along with her husband Roy, who's mother and sister were part of the first Festival of Trees in 1994.

The dozen or so Christmas trees donated by the Warnicks for the event each year come from Dietz Christmas Tree Farm, a Mount Spokane tree farm owned by Judy Warnick's aunt and uncle.

"Our family is proud to be part of the Habitat for Humanity's efforts to help families in need," Judy Warnick stated. "When we see the happiness and joy of families who are able to move into their own homes, we feel that the adage of helping those who help themselves is being lived out in our community. We have a great respect for the Habitat for Humanity organization and are honored to be a small part of the Moses Lake projects."

In a certain sense, all of the homes built by Humanity in Moses Lake are constructed from Christmas trees, according to Don Key, co-president of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake.

"For years, the annual Festival of Trees has been our sole fundraiser to build homes in the Moses Lake area," he stated. "Each year, various groups and individuals donate their time and artistry to decorate and donate gorgeous Christmas trees for the event. It all begins with the trees themselves."

He expressed gratitude for the "giving spirit" of the Warnicks and their family on the Dietz Tree Farm.

"The best gifts are those that make great memories for a lifetime," he said. "Their continuing gifts of Christmas trees help make great lifetimes and we cannot thank them enough."

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake is currently building their eleventh home and plans for more construction projects are underway.

Numerous opportunities to volunteer for Habitat can be found at www.habitatmoseslake.org, including jobs in construction, committee work, on the board of directors or helping with the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.