Students representing various organizations on campus worked to construct 16 shacks in the Brickyard Sunday in preparation for this week’s Shack-a-Thon, held annually by Habitat for Humanity.

Last year the organization collected over $15,000 during the week, and its goal for this year is $18,000, according to Chris Dulin, a senior in aerospace engineering and publicity coordinator for the event.

“While staying in the shacks on the Brickyard, volunteers will collect donations from people that walk by,” Dulin said.

Shack-a-Thon volunteers consist of on-campus organizations teaming together to design and build wooden shacks.

The students represent volunteer organizations, pre-professional societies and clubs that have raised and pledged the most money in a competition to win spots on this year’s lineup of shack volunteers.

The donations will then go to the Habitat for Humanity of Wake County to assist in building a home for a family in need. The week’s events will also raise awareness about the organization.

During the week, participants have the mission to raise even more money for this cause.

Students themselves collected the wood, made the blueprints and constructed the shacks, which they have the option of sleeping in throughout the week.

While on campus, these shacks will be places where students can make donations and volunteers can spread the message of Habitat for Humanity.

“This is such a good cause,” Claudia Williams, a senior in civil engineering, said. “It’s good that people can learn about it here.”

Participants in the Shack-a-Thon said they were excited to build their houses, hang out in them for a week and earn money for the cause.

Stephanie Bliss, a senior in civil engineering, said she’s looking forward to the week.

“It’s been a lot of fun and it’s nice to raise money for a good cause,” she said.

From designing the shack to constructing it to living in it, the students put much effort in to this event.

“Its been great to work with Habitat for Humanity, and spending time here this week will be fun, too,” Williams said.

The annual event was successful in past years with raising funds and getting interest from fellow students. Participants said they expect to see similar results this year.