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Charlotte, N.C.- Most anniversary celebrations include cake and sometimes, presents. Presbyterian Hospital and Novant Health employees however, decided to ring in the organization's 10th year by constructing a Habitat for Humanity house for a family who came to America in pursuit of religious freedom.

More than 165 employees from Presbyterian Hospital, one of 10 hospitals in the Novant Health network, have volunteered to construct a home for the family of four in Charlotte. Construction will kick off on March 28 and 29 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will continue through May.

Presbyterian Hospital and its parent organization Novant Health solicited feedback from its managers and employees on how to best celebrate the healthcare system's tenth anniversary. After considering several good ideas, the organization chose the option that its employees overwhelmingly recommended give something to its communities around the region.

"Our healthcare system is going to build three Habitat for Humanity homes in celebration of our anniversary," explained Paul Wiles, president and CEO of Novant Health. "One home will be constructed in each of our three major regions. We'll be using the funds we would have spent on an anniversary party and instead purchase lumber, nails, glass, paint and all the supplies to build a new future for three deserving families of our communities."

Presbyterian Hospital, originally founded in 1903, helped form Novant Health in 1997. In addition to Charlotte, one home will also be built in the Triad region and along the Brunswick coastal area. Each region will work closely with its local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

"We are grateful for the support and generosity of partners like Presbyterian Hospital and Novant Health to make sure children and their families, have a simple, decent place to live and grow," said Bert Green, executive director of Habitat Charlotte. "Such a gift is an example of their commitment to help to eradicate poverty housing in Charlotte."