Bing Crosby's classic "I'll Be Home for Christmas" took on a whole new meaning for Marylyn Argrow and her three grandchildren.

Thanks to Edisto Habitat for Humanity, the Orangeburg family will be spending this Christmas in their brand-new Maple Street residence.

The home was dedicated during a service Saturday.

"The success of this home is due to the hard work of the family, friends and employees of Cox Industries. Our affiliate is so appreciative to Cox Industries for sponsoring this project," said EHH Executive Director Jamie Bozardt.

"It is truly evident that Cox cares about its employees and the community.

"Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who so willingly gave of their time and their talent to help another Orangeburg family have a decent home. To all the builders, painters, landscapers, cooks, servers, helpers, encouragers and all others who contributed to the successful completion of the 45th Habitat home in Orangeburg -- thank you."

The Rev. Cary Hilliard, pastor of First Baptist Church of Orangeburg, told the family, "This is a dream come true. We're beside you today."

Using scripture, he admonished the assembly, "Unless the Lord builds this house, your labor is in vain.

"We pray as He protects your home, He will protect you."

Mike Johnson of Cox Industries informed the audience that 68 of the company's employees helped with the Maple Street project.

According to Bozardt, it took about eight weeks to complete the project, not counting laying out the walls, which were assembled in the Habitat warehouse.

To qualify as a Habitat homeowner, Argrow had to meet certain criteria based on need, ability to pay for the home and willingness to partner -- completing 350 hours of "sweat equity" and attending homeowner and budgeting classes.

According to Bozardt, "We plan to build four houses next year.

"We have 10 families on our waiting list -- the most we've ever had.

"We need land in the Orangeburg area."

After receiving a Bible and the keys to the house, Argrow thanked everyone for what they did for her family.

"This Christmas, we got the biggest present of all."

T&D Correspondent Rendy Boland can be reached with comments or story ideas by phone at 803-535-2222.

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