Forty thousand dollars is no small amount of money. Divide that sum among 40,000 Penn State students, however, and it doesn't seem quite so intimidating.

This is exactly the idea the Penn State Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has in mind when it begins fund raising for its upcoming House Project this week. If every student donates one dollar, the organization will have enough to money to build a house for a State College family.

Last night, the chapter held a meeting in the Forum, where it discussed plans for the project and listened to speakers from its local affiliate, Tri-County Habitat for Humanity, as well as a Habitat homeowner and Bellefonte resident who offered firsthand insight about the benefits of Habitat.

"This chapter is a really good organization," said Charles Chronister, who worked alongside members of the Penn State chapter last spring to build a home for his family. Chronister and his wife Paula were in attendance to voice their support for the chapter and to share their story.

"I didn't even know there was an organization until I received a call last year," Chronister said.

The Chronisters began working with Habitat volunteers last April, and by the beginning of February had moved into their new home. Chronister said the experience was one he wouldn't forget.

"I really enjoyed the people I worked with, and I just wanted to say 'thanks,' " he said.

Tri-County chapter President Sam Komlenic also spoke at the meeting, giving both current and prospective members information about some of the recent accomplishments of the Tri-County chapter as well as describing some of the benefits of volunteering.

"It's extremely gratifying knowing that you're helping out a deserted family," Komlenic said.

While the Penn State chapter will provide fund raising and labor for the House Project, Tri-County will provide land, site approval and family selection.

And as part of Habitat Week, chapter members will venture out into the community with fund-raising cans, striving to reach that $40,000 goal.

"With 40,000 students, I think this is going to be easy," said Communications Director Jeni Brake (senior-accounting).

The first donation came from Chronister, who handed his contribution to Brake as applause broke out.

And once the fund-raising goal has been reached, Brake said, members can begin the "fun part" — building the home.

According to the Chronisters, the benefits speak for themselves.

"Anybody who wants to join, you can't go wrong," Chronister said.

"It's just a lot of fun," Paula Chronister added.