UNA Students Use Fall Break to Help Those In Need

Oct. 13, 2009

FLORENCE, Ala. – A group of 20 University of North Alabama students have decided to spend their fall break doing local community service.

The UNA Alternative Break Board, a student organization, is planning a trip to Huntsville’s impoverished Lincoln Village to assist Lincoln Village Ministries with various community projects. The group will leave the UNA campus Oct. 22 and will participate in the project through Oct. 24.

“With this trip, we want students to see that poverty isn’t just something in huge cities,” said Scotty Rainwater, president of the Alternative Break Board. “Here is a place we can help that is right next door.”

The students will refurbish houses, clean, do yard work and assist in after-school programs.

“We want to promote the idea of getting involved in your community,” Rainwater said.

The student group is also putting together comfort packages through a non-profit group called Project Night Night. The comfort packages are including children’s books, blankets and stuffed animals for children who are victims of domestic violence and are seeking the services of Safeplace.

“We feel that service to the community should be a large part of the educational experience,” Rainwater said.

The UNA Alternative Break Board is planning trips for spring break, as well.