While many spent Friday finding the best shopping deals, a group of men in Harmon, Illinois spent their Black Friday building a house for a soldier who was hurt in Afghanistan.
"It's amazing. I mean it's the day after Thanksgiving and the people with their time off are coming out to help," said Michael Shoemaker.
Army Veteran Michael Shoemaker was injured in an ammunition explosion in Afghanistan in 2012.
"Shrapnel to my eye, my brain, they removed half my skull and now its a titanium plate," said Shoemaker.
When Abiding Word Church in Sterling wanted to build a house for a wounded warrior in the area, Shoemaker came to mind. The church broke ground on land for the home in Harmon, Illinois this summer with hopes to complete the house by Christmas. Shoemaker sold his truck to cover the cost of the land and foundation, the church is taking care of everything else. Church members and volunteers are helping Shoemaker build the house.
"They put their life on the line, this is a little part of what we're doing. I mean, I think everybody would love to do it if they had the chance," said Mitchell McNinch.
Because the work is being done by volunteers, the project will likely not be done by Christmas.
"Getting volunteers. Volunteers on everything. Like I said before, the people, everybody wants to volunteer, it's just finding the time," said McNinch.
If you would like to volunteer, contact Abiding Word Church in Sterling at (815) 626-1827.