Thirty-two members of The University of Findlay chapter of Habitat for Humanity have volunteered to spend their spring break in Valdosta, Ga., March 4-12.

For one entire week, UF students will donate their time putting in full eight-hour work days to build a house from the cement footer up. Brian Sampsal, secretary of the UF Habitat for Humanity chapter, is expecting this trip to be very exciting. “Of the 32 students going on the trip, more than 20 have never been on a construction site before,” Sampsal explained.

Previously Habitat has taken three other trips, including Americus, Ga., Branson, Miss., and Naples, Fla.

According to Crystal Jones, AmeriCorps Vista and UF Habitat adviser, the purpose of the alternative spring break trips with Habitat for Humanity is “to build a house, but to educate UF students about Habitat and poverty, while helping a family’s dream come true.”

Jones expressed her hopes for the trip and students. “It is my hope that the students return with a new humbling outlook on life, with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, many new friends and pride in themselves,” Jones said.

These trips are part of the University’s larger community service, service learning and civic engagement initiative through the Campus Compact Center for Service and Learning.

Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world.