The Citgo retiree group started with a few people having coffee. But, members wanted more than that, and the group is now nearly three hundred strong. As president of the group, Dick Conway is proud of the way they're making a difference. "It's not only the fact that we're helping. It's the fact that we still maintain relationships and camaraderie."

During inclement weather, members of the Citgo Retiree Group build cabinets and other furnishings for Habitat homes at the non profit's wood shop. Most have never had experience in building, but Conway says they find it challenging and rewarding.

"We're learning a lot about how to build a home. We're having a great time doing it and at the same time, we feel like we're contributing a great deal to the community."

So far, this group, along with Citgo's corporate sponsorship have built four Tulsa Habitat for Humanity homes. Although Citgo's corporate headquarters left Tulsa and moved to Houston, there are still nearly one hundred employees here and Citgo and the Citgo retiree group remain active in several community enrichment programs.

"It's a real source of pride," says Citgo Spokesperson Carolyn Stewart. "Not only for the employees here, but this retiree group as well. They look at the retiree group as almost three hundred Citgo goodwill ambassadors."

The real payoff comes when members of this group attend the Citgo home dedications. The last one was just before Christmas. The new homeowner was overwhelmed.

"She cried. When I turned the keys over to her, it was just a wonderful feeling for me and for the entire group."

Recipients of habitat homes are not given anything for free. They work hundreds of hours for Habitat and then pay an affordable mortgage on the home they receive. As Dick will tell you, it's a win-win situation for everyone.

If you would like to sponsor a home or your organization would like to help build, contact Paul Kent at 592-4224.