VCU news

By Charmaine Curtis
University News Services

The Virginia Commonwealth University Alternative Spring Break program will offer students an option to perform community service in different parts of the country.

VCU's Spring Break program is a partnership between the Source, a community service organization, and the Alternative Spring Break Organizational Board. The two organizations work together to help areas in need outside of Richmond during spring break, March 12-19.

This year, participants in the program will visit and help in five cities, including New York; Philadelphia; Phoenix City, Ala.; Lake City, Fla.; and Mayville, Mich.

In each city there are different needs, including serving the homeless by providing recreational activities, stocking food at pantries, serving at soup kitchens and helping at shelters. In addition, opportunities exist to help children with chronic or life-threatening diseases at a camp that offers swimming, boating, and arts and crafts. Volunteers also can work with Habitat for Humanity to provide camp activities for disabled campers; by preparing and delivering meals to HIV clients; and by helping with a fundraising event.

For more information or to learn how to participate in the program, visit http://www.studentorg.vcu.edu/vcuasb/index.html.