UAH Volunteer Chargers perform service duty during fall break

OCT 23, 2018 | Joyce Anderson-Maples

UAH Volunteer Chargers take a much needed break from community service projects to enjoy a meal.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Volunteer Chargers used their recent fall break to volunteer with several community outreach programs in South Alabama and North Florida.

Jenny Russell-Clifton, Assistant Director of Student Life said due to the timing of the events and the trip departure UAH students were unable to collect supplies for Hurricane Michael relief efforts. However their service work took place in Pensacola and surrounding areas affected by the storm.

"We strive to encourage students, faculty and staff to volunteer on a regular basis at area nonprofits," said Russell-Clifton. "Student Life hosts days of service including Helping Hands of Huntsville and The Big Event. In addition, we sponsor at least one monthly service project to encourage civic engagement, and we also have a community service board at MY.UAH to allow students to connect with needs in our area," she added.

Next month, Russell-Clifton said, Student Life will be doing a week of holiday service projects with 'Chargers in the Community'. "We are also looking to a productive spring with service projects that include our Spring Break Service Trip to Washington, D.C. This trip will focus on education, community building, and veterans."

Several hours of community service work was completed by 18 UAH students at these organizations:

Habitat for Humanity — painting an entire home, and beautification project of a second home before new residents were set to move-in.
Feeding the Gulf Coast Food Bank — food and supply donations transported to the harder hit areas of Hurricane Michael.
Ronald McDonald House - basic cleaning and organization projects for families who must stay in the residence area while a sick family member/s are being treated at the local hospital. UAH students also did light cooking for residents.
Pensacola Beautiful — beach clean up and beach conservation.

UAH students who participated in the fall break service opportunity were: