During spring break this year, 40 Salem State students chose to spend their time off giving back to the community.
Taking part in one of Salem State’s “alternative spring break” trips, students traveled to either Louisiana to join the St. Bernard Project, a disaster relief organization; or to Missouri where they joined Habitat for Humanity to begin construction on a house for local families.
Students were housed in local churches or retreat centers. Though schedules varied by location, students worked on Habitat for Humanity and St. Bernard Project sites Monday through Friday.
Bruce Perry, assistant dean of enrollment management and student life at Salem State, joined students in New Orleans to work at the St. Bernard Project site and has been a part of the alternative spring break trips since 2007.
“Salem State started doing these service trips decades ago,” said Perry. “This is the most students and staff we’ve ever taken on trips in one year.”
Student Fred Kelley, 21, of Melrose, traveled to New Orleans on his break and acts as treasurer of the student group Community Service Initiative (CSI), which sponsors these trips.
“Being able to volunteer for the Saint Bernard Project in New Orleans was an unforgettable experience and helping those displaced by Hurricane Katrina was an extraordinary way to give back,” said Kelley.
The Community Service Initiative has been offering this Habitat for Humanity trip for the past 13 years and added the St. Bernard Project trip four years ago. Over the years, students have also volunteered at sites in Georgia, Kansas City, South Carolina, and Texas.
Because of the trips’ continued success, students will be offered this volunteering opportunity again next spring, but students can volunteer all school year.
“Students can come to a service event here and there whenever they are free,” said Kelley. “There is an event that everyone can find time to join and be a part of throughout the year.”
Interested parties can also email the group at service@salemstate.edu. Visit salemstate.edu/clubs to learn more.