Students trade typical break for altruistic alternative

The alarms of seven Sarasota high schoolers rang very early March 18.

By 7:30 a.m. the students had gathered at 2312 Pershing Avenue to take part in the final day of Alternative Spring Break, a national program facilitated by the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County. The program offers volunteer opportunities to students during school breaks. 

Earlier that week students had volunteered at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, Senior Friendship Centers Inc. and All Faiths Food Bank, but on March 18, students were getting their hands dirty with Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. 

The group of 75 students that worked on the various ASB service projects earned a collected 500 service hours. 

"It's a big undertaking," Director of Teen Outreach Suriya Khong said. "But they come here with smiles on their faces ready to work."