A few UB students will be braving the Buffalo tundra this spring break, opting for charity and community rather than fun in the sun.
The Leadership Development Center is still seeking a few ambitious volunteers for this year's alternative spring break program, "Give where you live."
Students volunteering in the program will give back to the Buffalo community throughout spring break. According to the coordinators, Naomi Pabon and Heather Schoff, the week is set up in a flexible manner in accordance with the interests of the volunteers.
"There are a lot of UB students that pass the years here and graduate, never knowing the real Buffalo," Pabon said. "We want to give them chance to be part of a community."
The deadline for potential volunteers was extended to Monday Feb. 26 because they had not yet reached the number of students they had originally hoped for.
"The applications are more of a screening than selection process. We want to meet the goals of everyone involved," Pabon said.
Program volunteers will need to pay a one-time fee of $50 to cover transportation over the course of the week, and will need to find their own housing if they are not from the area.
The coordinators say a definitive plan for the alternative spring break has yet to be decided and they are open to suggestions.
"A tentative schedule includes working with children and other volunteer organizations, some that provide food and materials," Pabon said. "If someone wants to go check out the Buffalo Zoo, then we'll try to get there."
Despite the lack of community housing, Pabon promised that there would be chances for meeting new people.
To fill out an application, potential program volunteers can stop by the Leadership Development Center in the Student Union.
"As of right now we haven't reached 15 students and we're going to be more liberal with those that apply," Pabon said.
