United Way of Morris County Events
Past Events

Alternative Spring Break 2007
March 10-17, 2007

College Students Spend Spring Break Rebuilding Gulf Coast, Helping Others
 
Newark International Airport was a buzz of activity on the morning of Saturday, March 10th.  Families and college students were headed for a week of carefree fun at a variety of Spring Break destinations, from Cabo to Tahoe.

For an impressive group of local college students, Saturday March 10th was the beginning of a much different journey.  These college students volunteered to spend their Spring Break making a difference; they are part of United Way's Alternative Spring Break 2007 and joined hundreds of other young people aged 18-24 from across the country to rebuild homes and restore hope in the Gulf Coast.

"A most amazing experience."  That's how Shaunna Rubin puts it.  Rubin, a student from Fairleigh Dickinson University, just returned from the week-long volunteer program in Lake Charles, La. Rubin spent her week at Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin, refurbishing cabins, clearing debris, and constructing a wheel-chair ramp to get the camp ready for summer programs that benefit children in the foster care system.  Other members of Morris County's Alternative Spring Break team helped to rebuild and refurbish homes that are still devastated by the hurricanes of 2005.

Kristen Warms, former senior campaign associate with United Way of Morris County, also volunteered her time in Lake Charles for a week.  Warms served as a team leader in the program, managing the group of young people as they worked to clear Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin, a Campfire USA youth camp in Lake Charles that had been devastated by the storms. “It was such a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.  Having the opportunity to work with these dedicated young adults impacted me more than they will ever know.”

On March 14, KPLC TV featured the Alternative Spring Break program. Click here to view the broadcast.

Read personal accounts from college students at the Alternative Spring Break blog by clicking here.

United Way applauds the hard work and dedication of the Morris County 2007 Alternative Spring Break Team:

Leanne Adubato, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Brian Haupt, University of Scranton
Kayla Kays, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Stephani Kim, Drew University
John Miseo, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Maya Ribot, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Shaunna Rubin, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Melissa Wankmuller, Rugters, The State University of New Jersey
 
The Alternative Spring Break program is sponsored by FedEx and video game retailer GameStop/EB Games. MTV is a Media Partner.  United Way of Morris County also gratefully acknowledges Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. for generously underwriting the travel costs for this special group of young leaders.

To find out more about United Way of Morris County's volunteer programs for college students and young people, please email Diane Kaminskas, or phone 973.993.1160, x100.