Wayne County Habitat marks 40 years with Legacy Puzzle fundraiser

Wayne County’s Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. In honor of this milestone, a fundraising opportunity is underway. To celebrate four decades of building hope in the community, everyone is invited to purchase a puzzle piece and see their name written in the 40th anniversary Legacy Puzzle that is coming to life at the ReStore entrance in Wooster.

“The Legacy Puzzle project is a unique community fundraiser that allows people to become a permanent part of Habitat’s story," Executive Director Beth Weaver said. "Supporters can purchase a puzzle piece that will become part of a larger commemorative display celebrating 40 years of hope, homeownership and community impact.”

Why a puzzle? The idea was to create a fundraiser to symbolize how every individual, family, volunteer, donor and partner plays an important role in Habitat’s mission.

“A puzzle was the perfect representation of people coming together to build something bigger than themselves,” Weaver said. “Sign Design was a great help to us in getting the graphic installed. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring the design and vision of the project to life.”

The pieces are selling for $40 each.

“We thought it would be especially meaningful to tie the price to Habitat’s anniversary year,” said Weaver. “So each puzzle piece is available for $40, one dollar for every year Habitat for Humanity has served our community.”

As more pieces are purchased and added, the mural gradually becomes more complete, and the full picture will come to life.

“It’s a fun visual representation of how our community comes together piece by piece to support Habitat’s mission,” Weaver said.

Once every piece is sold, the amount raised will be $20,000 — about 15% of the cost of construction per house. All funds raised will support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of helping local families achieve safe, affordable homeownership.

Puzzle pieces may be purchased in honor of loved ones, in memory of someone special or as gifts. Businesses may also sponsor a piece and have their logo featured.

“There are so many people, families, businesses, churches and organizations that have been vital to our 40-year growth,” Weaver said. “We would love to see them represented in this puzzle.”

Puzzle pieces can be purchased at the ReStore, through Habitat for Humanity Wayne County or online at www.waynehabitat.com. The ReStore and Habitat are located at 2700 Akron Road in Wooster. The community is encouraged to follow social media pages for updates and availability. Facebook is the most active.

The puzzle will continue until all the pieces are sold. The hope is to have this accomplished by year-end.

“We encourage people to participate early so they can reserve their place in the final display,” Weaver said.

There are 500 puzzle pieces available, with approximately 150 sold so far.

There are many additional ways to contribute and participate with Habitat and the ReStore. Financial donations can be made online at www.waynehabitat.com, by mail or in person — 2700 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 — with checks made out to Habitat for Humanity Wayne County.

Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of tasks, both at the ReStore and on build sites. Store opportunities include sorting donations, pricing merchandise, organizing visual displays, customer service and general store support.

On build sites, volunteers may assist under the supervision of the construction manager with tasks such as framing, painting, landscaping, cleanup and general construction support. No experience is needed. Any necessary guidance and training are provided.

Anyone interested can contact Habitat for Humanity Wayne County through the website, social media pages or by calling the office at 330-263-1713 or ReStore at 330-264-4999.

In-kind support is always welcome from businesses and community partners for items such as construction materials, tools, professional services, meals for volunteers and other resources. Anyone interested is invited to contact the office.

“One important thing people may not always realize is the long-term economic impact Habitat for Humanity has on our community," Weaver said. "Habitat doesn’t just build houses; we help create stability for families and strengthen neighborhoods as a whole."

Habitat is currently building at 624 Grant St. in Wooster and has recently begun framing at 363 Larwill in Wooster.

“We are always excited to keep moving forward with projects that help local families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership,” Weaver said.