West Virginia University Office of Service Learning Programs and Monongalia County Habitat for Humanity are seeking volunteers to participate in an”Alternative”Spring Break.

Habitat is searching for volunteers that are able to work March 25-27, both WVU and Monongalia County Public Schools Spring Break. Students and all other interested volunteers will have an opportunity to build houses in partnership with families in need of adequate shelter.

“Alternative”spring breakers will build decks, paint and help with other types of home maintenance. Volunteers do not need any previous building experience or skills, officials say. Habit workers will instruct volunteers on how to safely and efficiently help.

“Following September 11th, many people have felt at a loss as to how they can make a difference in the world. Community service like this is an excellent way to do something positive for yourself and others in the wake of these staggering events,”said Dr. Joseph Scotti, Eberly Family Professor of Outstanding Public Service, and an expert in traumatic stress.

During the three days of the”Alternative”Spring Break, volunteers will work on two different Morgantown area sites. Volunteers should dress appropriately for outdoor weather and bring hats and sunscreen, if necessary. Free lunches will be provided

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.

Jill Kriesky, director of the Office of Service Learning Programs at WVU , is thrilled about WVU s revival of the”Alternative”Spring Break.

“WVU sponsored spring break opportunities in the late 1980s and early 1990s,”Dr. Kriesky said.”I am pleased that we are reviving the tradition. I look forward to building on this years activity in future years.

Interested volunteers should contact Becky Fear at 293-8761 ext.4481 or e-mail RLFear@mail.wvu.edu to sign up for whole or half-day volunteer activities.