Darrell Robinson
MC301 Contributor
Rather than flying home or vacationing to their favorite destinations, a group of Jackson State University students and staff will travel to Atlanta, Ga. to aid local shelters and food banks in serving the community.
The group will travel to Atlanta, Ga. on March 9 for a weeklong community service project known as the Alternative Spring Break. The Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning within the JSU Division of Student Life coordinates the project.
This year’s trip features a collaboration with Atlanta area nonprofits, Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and Project Open Hand (POH). The mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank is to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering their community.
The deadline to apply to attend the trip has been extended to Feb. 19. The cost is $200 and includes lodging and transportation. Students who participate in the Alternative Spring will receive 120 community service hours. 
“We want to address social issues in America,” said Eltease Moore, community service coordinator. “This year, we are focusing on hunger and homelessness.”
In previous Alternative Spring Break trips, students have served in New Orleans, Chicago, New York, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Washington, D.C.
Most recently, the 2013 Alternative Spring Break was held in the Hattiesburg, Miss. area. At the time, the city was recovering from a tornado that devastated the community. Students who participated in that trip gave positive reflections.
“I am grateful to have participated in the Alternative Spring Break,” said Mary Thompson, a senior English major. “We painted a house for a family who couldn’t afford it to be professionally painted and the appreciative looks of those we helped made it worthwhile.”
Shontrice Garrett, a junior mathematics education from East St. Louis, Ill., agreed.
“The Alternative Spring Break trip to Hattiesburg was life-changing,” said Garrett. “Seeing the damage from the tornado was heartbreaking. I was just glad to be able to help them.”
The Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning is still seeking participants for 2014 Alternative Spring Break program.
Registration packets are available in Jacob L. Reddix Hall, Room 100. Packets can also be downloaded via the Division of Student Life website. A non-refundable $50 deposit is due with the application. For more information, students should see Eltease Moore in the Jacob L. Reddix Hall, Room 100 or call 601-979-1762.
