March 12, 2009

Purdue students to help the homeless during spring break

“We are partnering with the Youth Service Opportunities Project, a nonprofit organization that runs programs providing volunteer help at soup kitchens and homeless shelters in New York City,” said Orlando Garcia, residential life manager at Hillenbrand Hall, who is one of four administrators chaperoning the group of 46 students. “We’ll stay near Broadway and work at different locations in the city.”

The 10-day trip, from March 13 – 22, is being organized as the third annual Ultimate Spring Break Challenge, a program offered by Purdue University Residences that gives students the chance to give back to society, Garcia said. In past years, students have helped communities in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"I participated last year in the Ultimate Spring Break Challenge when we went to Louisiana," said Marie Macher, a junior majoring in nursing and sociology, who lives in Meredith Hall. "It was an eye-opening experience to see how much help people need in society and how much we can give if we just take the time to do so. I helped build a new deck and wheelchair ramp to a house. I also painted a community center gym and cleaned up debris from a damaged home. I learned so much about the world and myself during the trip that I didn't want to turn down the opportunity this year."

Taylor Patterson, a freshman living at Shreve Hall, said she decided to volunteer to become more thankful for what she has in life.

"Going to Purdue and getting a great education, I feel this trip will help me truly be thankful for the opportunities I have," Patterson said. "I think this is a great chance to serve others, meet new people and create new friendships."

This year, the total cost of each student going to New York is about $840, Garcia said. However, students are paying only $200 each, with the rest of the money coming from various residential hall clubs, local businesses, families and friends, he said.

Writer: Soumitro Sen, 765-496-9711, ssen@purdue.edu

Sources: Orlando Garcia, 765-494-0325, garciao@purdue.edu

Marie Macher, 972-795-2945, mmacher@purdue.edu

Taylor Patterson, 630-567-2361, tmpatter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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