Making the Volunteer State Proud—Tennessee Students Skip Spring Break to Help Others!
University of Tennessee Knoxville students dedicate over 1,100 service hours across multiple cities during their break. 🌐 #News #KnoxvilleTN #Tennessee #UpliftingNews
KNOXVILLE, TN — This spring break, 40 students from the University of Tennessee’s Jones Center for Leadership and Service here in Knoxville, Tennessee embarked on service trips to Asheville, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and Chicago, Illinois, contributing more than 1,100 hours to various community projects.
Focus On Disaster Relief
In Asheville, North Carolina 13 students assisted in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Their activities included debris removal, sorting and packaging food donations, and meal preparation, totaling over 420 service hours. They also engaged with a FEMA representative and local nonprofit partners to gain insights into disaster response experiences.
Addressing Public Health Challenges
Another group of 13 students traveled to Washington, D.C., to volunteer with local nonprofits focusing on social determinants of health such as food security, education, and transportation access.
They dedicated more than 320 hours to preparing balanced meals, sorting donations, and beautifying a local high school. Educational sessions included discussions on disability services and training in CPR, AED use, and naloxone awareness.
Supporting Youth Development
In Chicago, Illinois 14 students worked with organizations supporting underserved youth through education, mentorship, and community-building initiatives.
Their efforts encompassed after-school programs and packing clothing and books for distribution, amounting to over 350 service hours. The group also met with an alumnus working as a school guidance counselor and social worker to discuss careers in youth development.
Did You Know?
- Alternative break programs like VOLbreaks have been shown to increase students’ civic engagement and social responsibility.
- The University of Tennessee’s VOLbreaks program has been active since 1993, sending students to 22 states and over 65 cities for service projects.
- Engaging in community service during college can enhance students’ leadership skills and cultural competency.
Moment For Reflection
In dedicating their spring break to serve others, these students embody the spirit of compassion and selflessness. Their actions remind us of the profound impact that kindness and community engagement can have, not only on those directly assisted but also in fostering a more empathetic and united society.
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RELATED TOPICS: Heartwarming | Kids and Family | Tennessee
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