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Saginaw Valley State University

March 2, 2018

SVSU students inspired to serve during Alternative Breaks across the country

Alternative BreakFor more than 50 Saginaw Valley State University students, spring break will not be a typical vacation. They will be traveling across the U.S. to volunteer as part of the student-run Alternative Breaks program.

Five teams of students are traveling to volunteer for community organizations throughout the country during SVSU’s spring break March 5-11.

Karah Hoch, a business management major from Marine City, will be taking her first Alternative Break trip. She will be working with Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, located in Springfield, Missouri, is an organization designed to help children and adults with special needs. SVSU students will help with daily activities and to help individuals develop life skills through sports and education.

“It’s something I wanted to get involved in because I've heard nothing but good things about the organization and how it can have a huge impact on you as a leader,” Hoch said. “I hope to gain a new perspective on those who have special needs. I look forward to my experience and hope to put a smile on some peoples’ faces.”

Other SVSU students will be volunteering for:

  • Appalachian South Folklife Center, located in Pipestem, West Virginia. SVSU students will help perform housing repairs along with other community service projects.
  • Arkansas Children's Hospital, located in Little Rock, Arkansas. SVSU students will assist with daily activities needed throughout the hospital.
  • Kingdom House, located in St. Louis, Missouri. SVSU students will assist in after-school programs where children eat healthy meals and focus on their academics.
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation, located in Annapolis, Maryland. SVSU students will help to keep the Chesapeake Bay clean and educate others about the importance of keeping such natural resources safe.

SVSU's Alternative Breaks program sends students on community engagement-geared trips during both the traditional college winter and spring breaks each December and March. You can learn more at www.svsu.edu/officeofstudentlife/serve/.