College Students Use Break for Community Service

While many college students use their spring break as a time to travel to the beach or rest at home, individuals from two local community colleges used the break from classes to serve others.  Students from Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia Community Colleges joined together to participate in service projects across both school's respective regions. 

The first community service project took place near MECC at the Hope House in Norton on March 13.  The Hope House serves as a shelter for victims of domestic violence, including abused women and children.  Seven MECC students and six SwVCC students sorted and labeled food and made toiletry bags, which will be used by Hope House residents. 

The next day, MECC students traveled to SwVCC, working with students there at the nearby Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Richlands.  After completing each of these service projects, visiting students had the opportunity to take a tour of the host school's campus and have lunch there.  The two groups also participated in leadership and team-building activities together.

"The best part of this whole alternative spring break was meeting and getting to know other community college students," says MECC student Dawn Wells.  "I like the idea of breaking the stereotypical college student spring break.  I felt like my spring break was spent well."

Fellow MECC student Virgil Younce agrees, "This is my second time with the alternative spring break, and I loved every minute of it.  I never thought that community service could be so much fun.  Being able to help others while making lasting friendships is something that I will always cherish."

Along with Wells and Younce, Mary Absher, Jennifer Dockery, David Gray, Heather Huff, Matt Large, and Advisor Linda Childress represented MECC at each service day.

Community college students from MECC and SwVCC used their spring break to serve The Hope House in Norton and the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Richlands, where this picture was taken.

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