Press Releases

United Way Announces 2007 Plans for Alternative Spring Break Program United Way of Morris County Seeks to Engage Young People in Rebuilding Gulf Coast

November 13, 2006 – Morristown, NJ – United Way of Morris County is inviting young people between the ages of 18 and 24 from Morris County to apply for a spot as a participant in United Way of America's national program, Alternative Spring Break 2007. The week-long community service program will focus on rebuilding the Gulf Coast and will provide opportunities for young people to help change their own communities through service.

Alternative Spring Break is a program of United Way of America, originally created in partnership with think MTV.  The goal of the program is to inspire young people to engage in community service during their spring vacations and help rebuild the Gulf Coast still devastated by the hurricanes of 2005.  As part of that effort, United Way of Morris County is helping promote the program to young people, and is recruiting a team from Morris County to participate in ASB 2007 Gulf Coast.

"We are excited that for the second year in a row, we will be offering the Alternative Spring Break program that will provide young people a meaningful opportunity to spend time giving back to those in need in the Gulf or their own communities," said Brian A. Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way of America. "It's truly a win-win when we can combine the energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude of young people with opportunities to make a measurable difference in people's lives – whether in the Gulf Coast or their own backyards."

Based on the overwhelming success of the first Alternative Spring Break program called Storm Corps sponsored by FedEx and The Home Depot Foundation, United Way is increasing the scope of the program for 2007. In March 2006, 94 Storm Corps participants assisted in the rebuilding efforts in Biloxi, MS and Foley, AL by completing projects such as removing debris from yards, repairing porches and roofs, tearing out walls and rebuilding a youth recreation center.  Among the diverse group of applicants selected for the program, all reported that they were more likely to volunteer as a result of the program and 89 percent reported that they planned to "activate" their experience at home by getting involved in their communities, sharing their experiences or encouraging others to volunteer.

Early application deadline for Alternative Spring Break 2007 is November 22, 2006.  More information is available at both www.uwmorris.org as well as www.unitedway.org.

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact 
Sheila Consaul
United Way of America
703.683.7871
sheila.consaul@unitedway.org

Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email