Newswise — Close to 45 students from Central New York's Ithaca College will be hitting the road during spring break (March 9 to 13), some traveling as far as 1,100 miles to do community service in four areas of need across the country. Their efforts are part of Ithaca College's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program.
"We started the ASB program in 2003 as a way to give students a chance to perform community service during the week of Spring Break," said Deborah Mohlenhoff, assistant director of community service and leadership development. "We've found that a lot of them are nervous about stepping out of their comfort zones, but once they take the plunge, they come back knowing they have the ability to positively impact other people's lives."
"Why am I doing Alternative Spring Break in New Orleans instead of going to Cancun?" said senior television-radio major Ashley Bookheimer. "Because I find it absolutely appalling that the city is in such a state of disarray three and a half years after Katrina hit. I want to understand the problem New Orleans is facing first hand, and I want to do something about it."
The students will be at their respective service sites from Monday to Friday, March 9 to 13, and will be available by cell phone. Interested media are invited to call them on site.
Four Alternative Spring Break programs for Ithaca College students:
"¢Helping Rebuild New OrleansIn 2007 the City of Ithaca and the 7th Ward of New Orleans entered into a sister city agreement. To strengthen that commitment, 25 Ithaca College students will make the 1,100-mile trip to New Orleans to help rebuild that stricken area. The trip is arranged in collaboration with Love Knows No Bounds, an Ithaca-area based organization dedicated to helping those still suffering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The students will work on construction and clean-up projects. According to Mike Ellis, co-director of Love Knows No Bounds, this year's contingent of Ithaca College students is among the largest local student group to participate.
STUDENT TRIP COORDINATOR: Colleen Shea, cell: (401) 714-7862; e-mail: [email protected]CO-DIRECTOR OF LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS: Mike Ellis, Cell: (607) 239-7247 "¢Living in a wilderness-based camp for homeless youthSeven students will live in cabins at Scottie's Place in Peterstown, West Virginia. Scottie's Place is a year-round special needs camp for homeless children. The students will work on clean-up projects and participate in mentoring activities.STUDENT TRIP COORDINATOR: Erica Seiler, cell: (631) 848-3072; e-mail: [email protected]
"¢Helping children of the urban poor in Kansas CityTen students will travel to Kansas City to work for Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City organization that cares for more than 600 children, ages 6 to 18. Ninety-eight percent of the children come from families whose annual income is well below the federal poverty guidelines. The student volunteers will work in the Operation Breakthrough warehouse and participate in activities with the children.STUDENT TRIP COORDINATOR: Alison Christiansen, cell: (603) 313-9626; e-mail: [email protected]
"¢Helping residents in Booneville, KentuckyTen students will work on renovating a building, painting a thrift store, and compiling personal items for local senior citizens in this rural Appalachian community. Booneville has a population of 111 people.STUDENT TRIP COORDINATOR: Jenn Brink, cell: (607) 972-9452; e-mail: [email protected].
For more information on the Alternative Spring Break program, contact Deborah Mohlenhoff; cell: (607) 351-0047; office: (607) 274-3222; e-mail: [email protected]
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