Kasey McGee spends Spring Break volunteering in Roanoke, Va.

2015 Mar 27

Kasey McGee of Medina is one of 41 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up 2015 Spring Break week to make a difference through BW's Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated four diverse trips with student volunteers traveling to Roanoke, Va.; Kissimmee, Fla.; Miami, Fla. and Biloxi, Miss. A BW student led each trip, with a University faculty or staff advisor providing support.

McGee, a graduate of Buckeye Senior High School majoring in English, volunteered to take part in the Alternative Break trip to Roanoke, Va. Participants signed up for this "Mystery Trip" without knowing the location or service topic. On departure day, the student volunteers found themselves heading to the Appalachian Trail to help with trail maintenance and conservation projects, including building a raised path in place of a wooden bridge. The path project was part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's initiative to naturalize the Catawba Mountain section of the trail near McAfee's Knob, one of the trail's most photographed vistas. The BW junior and the other students also served with the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Feeding America, and Rescue Mission helping community members sort donations.

The Alternative Break service program at BW provides students the opportunity to spend their breaks serving with other students. It's a great way to make a difference, travel to other cities, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Trips focus on direct service, teamwork, reflection, education and fun. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the University's Office of Community Outreach to support BW's mission of creating contributing, compassionate citizens.