On Thursday, July 9, the 84 prizewinning teachers attending Let’s Build It used their skilled trades expertise to give back to significant causes in San Diego. The teachers, who convene from all over the country, recognize the importance of leaving a place better than you find it, and value the opportunity to do what they do best – hands-on work – as well as learning from each other.

A group of 30 teachers made campus improvements at Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), which supports veterans and their families in overcoming homelessness, addiction, unemployment, barriers to health and mental health care, and related challenges. Projects included adding planters to the campus entryway, sanding and re-staining bench seating throughout the campus, building an onsite pet relief area for veterans with service animals, and installing new blinds in residents’ rooms. These upgrades to the campus make for a welcoming and comfortable environment worthy of those who have bravely served our country.

The remaining group of 54 teachers cut, sanded, stained and assembled wood pieces for bedframes to assist Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The national organization’s mission is to provide beds for children in need, including children in local foster care services. Before the build began, the chapter president made a powerful recognition that a good night’s sleep makes all the difference in a child’s day—something our prizewinning teachers are equally aware of and invested in. Over just a few hours, teachers’ hands-on skills helped make a direct, permanent impact in the quality of life for dozens of kids in the San Diego community.