76-year-old Abilenian spends 30 years volunteering for Habitat for Humanity

The term “sweat equity” refers to work one does to build up value without monetary gain or in exchange for a service. One Abilene volunteer has earned about 30 years’ worth of sweat equity in his work with Habitat for Humanity. Retired mailman Bob Galinak doesn’t spend his time like most 76-year-olds. Most days, you can find Galinak behind a hammer or operating a saw, and he says that a benefit of his volunteer work is for his health.

“I’m 76 years old. I have health problems, but you wouldn’t know it seeing me out here on a job. I have many friends who are retired and sit on a couch, and they’re no longer here. So, four or five hours a day, I get out here. If I want to rest, I rest. If I don’t feel like coming, I don’t. But most days I do because it benefits me more,” Galinak shared.

Galinak began his volunteer work in the 90s when he heard that Habitat for Humanity could build a home in one week. At the time, he was skeptical, but that didn’t stop him from volunteering for the project to see if it could be done. He said that one week later, the house was done, and he was hooked. While health is a big factor behind why he volunteers, there is a more important reason why he keeps returning to the job site.

“I’ve been fortunate my whole life to have a decent roof over my head, and I’ve been blessed. This is my way of giving back. God gave me the skills. He taught me them, and I need to use them for the greater good,” Galinak explained.

When asked about when he plans to put down the tools, Galinak simply said that he has no intention of stopping and plans to continue his volunteer work until he can no longer get out of the house. Visit the Habitat for Humanity website if you’re interested in learning more about volunteering.