WHO: More than 100 University of Rochester students are trading sunscreen and sandals for hammers and shovels as they volunteer their time during the annual Alternative Spring Break.
With support from the Rochester Center for Community Leadership and the undergraduate Community Service Network, five groups of students will undertake community service projects in Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
During the week of March 7-14, students will be volunteering at these locations:
Grassroots and Rotaract in western Mass.
University of Rochester student organizations Grassroots and Rotaract will stay at Overlook Farm, an educational center sponsored by the Heifer Project. By volunteering on the farm, students will learn how local sustainability efforts can help control the spread of hunger.
Habitat for Humanity in Raleigh, N.C.
Members of the University of Rochester chapter of Habitat for Humanity will travel to Raleigh, N.C. as a part of Habitat for Humanity International's Collegiate Challenge. During the week-long program, students will build affordable homes for qualifying families.
Circle K in Virginia Beach, Va.
Students from the volunteer organization Circle K will head to Kiptopeke State Park to plant more than 6,000 trees over 40 acres of land. These trees will provide songbirds a nesting area before they migrate across the Chesapeake Bay.
Catholic Newman Community in Baltimore, Md.
For the fifth year, the Catholic Newman Community will be participating in Alternative Spring Break. Twenty-five volunteers will work at the Father Charles Hall Catholic School, assisting in the school's food pantry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: The student groups are departing from campus at various times throughout the weekend. Media interested in covering Alternative Spring Break should contact Melissa Greco Lopes at 585.276.3693 or 585.260.6666 to set up interviews.