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  Spring Break volunteer opportunity in Mississippi

     For students without the budgetary allowance to spend Spring Break in Cancun, instructor Kim Abel is recommending an alternative Spring Break.
    Over Christmas break, Abel spent time with her daughter volunteering in Pass Christian, Miss., a gulf-town that was damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Pass Christian lost 75 percent of it’s residential buildings and 100 percent of its commercial and municipal buildings during the hurricane. Now, Abel is recommending the experience to students.
    In the fall, a group formed called Adam’s Ants, to support local Americorps volunteer Adam Rose. The group supports the community and volunteers in it. The group drove a truck load of supplies to Pass Christian following the hurricane and has spent time volunteering with clean up efforts.
    Abel said volunteers are provided with a place to sleep and shower and meals are also provided. However, students would have to provide their own transportation to and from Mississippi.
    Each day begins with work assignments at 8:30 a.m. ranging from physical labor to office work. Abel noted the work day usually ended around 4:30 p.m.
    Volunteers can choose to spend three days, three weeks or three months assisting with efforts.
    Abel said, “I found it a fascinating, rewarding, and fun experience.”
    Anyone interested in volunteering over spring break, or at the end of the semester, should contact Abel at kim_abel@ivcc.edu or at 224-2720.

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